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FOUNDATION 

AND 

PLAIN INSTRUCTION 

OF THE 

j&abhtg Qattxfot of ®u f ora |tsns tfjjrist, 

BRIEFLY COMPILED 4 FROM THE WORD OF GOD. 
TRANSLATED FROM THE DUTCH LANGUAGE INTO THE GERMAN, 

TOGETHER WITH OTHER 

INSTRUCTIVE TREATISES, WRITTEN By THE AUTHOR OF THIS ' FOUNDATION,' 

WHICH WERE FORMERLY PUBLISHED SEPARATELY, BUT HERE 

APPENDED, AND THE WHOLE ARRANGED AS A 

COMMON MANUAL. ■ 

BY MENNO SIMON. 

TO WHICH AN INDEX IS ADDED, IN ORDER THAT ALL THE POINTS, 

ARTICLES, PASSAGES, AND ADMONITIONS HEREIN CONTAINED, 

MAY BE READILY POUND. 



For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 
1 Cor. iii. 11. 

PRINTED IN EUROPE, A. D., 1565. 

TRANSLATED INTO THE ENGLISH BY I. DANIEL RUPP, 

Author of "Der Maertyr Geschichte," <fcc, &c. 



PUBLISHED BY ELIAS.BARR & CO, 

No. 6 EAST KING STREET, LANCASTER, PA. 
1863. 



JOHN HERR'S PREFACE. 



Beloved reader : We live in a period of time, in which many 
writings are circulated among the people, which, generally are more 
injurious than beneficial, since the greater part contain not the pure 
and uncorrupted truth of the gospel, although it is the only rule, in 
accordance with which every thing should be regulated, written and 
taught, as St. Paiu testifies : Though we, or an angel from heaven, 
preach any other g spel unto you than that which we have preached 
unto you, let hiri he accursed. (Gal. 1.) If its directions were fol- 
lowed, there would not be so many scorners of the christian religion ; 
for, by the pious, virtuous, and godly life of its professors, they 
would be convinced, that something true and substantial is in its 
composition ; as Paul teaches, that the gospel of Christ is the power 
of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth. (Rom. 1.) Yea, 
it is so powerful an operator in all those who truly believe, that their 
hard hearts become softened, renewed, and enlivened, so that, as they 
were formerly carnally minded, so they have now become spiritual 
and heavenly-minded ; and as they have been proud, imperious, 
envious, and implacable against those, who may have aggrieved them, 
so they are now humble, mild, condescending, patient, peaceable, 
and forgiving towards their opponents, according to the example of 
their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the instructions of his word. 
But this salutary influence is to be found and perceived in so small a 
degree among the present christians, that the .reverse is much more 
in vogue, from which circumstance, it, consequently, arises that 
atheism, the rejection of all revealed religion advances with such 
rapid strides. For, say its advocates, were the professors of Christi- 
anity firm believers in the truth of scripture, they would conduct 
their lives according to its tenor, as Christ and his apostles have 
inculcated ; but since this conformity is but seldom evinced, they 
conclude it to be the work of man, and a fabric of imposture, and 
exclaim : Our bonds are in twain and we are free, we will none of us 
go without his part of our voluptuousness, for this is our portion, 
&c. Such things do they imagine, and are deceived ; for their own 
wickedness hath blinded them, so that the mysteries of God they 
know not ; neither hope they for the wages of righteousness, nor 
discern a reward for blameless souls. (Wis. 2.) Oh! how deplorable 
that so many profess Christ with the lips, but yet by their works 
deny both him and his doctrine, whence, in the eyes of God, they are 
not better than the manifest scorn er of his word, although comforting 
themselves, and being comforted by their unregenerated preachers 
with the belief that they are christians, because they have an outward 
profession. 



4 JOHN herr's preface. 

The dark vapours of false and perverted doctrine, have so much 
obscured the clear light of the gospel, that oftimes, sincere souls 
scarcely know how to distinguish between right and wrong. For 
this reason, I and my brethren, out of love to mankind, and partic- 
ularly to serious minds, have been induced to publish, in the English 
language, in which they never before appeared, the works of the zealous 
and heaven-devoted Menno Simon. And since I sincerely believe, 
and from the word of God acknowledge, that therein is contained 
the pure and unadulterated truth, according to the testimony of the 
Holy Scriptures ; and as I myself, by the grace of God, have derived 
much benefit from the reading of this book, it is my hope, that to 
those who, in these confused times, when unbelief, universalism, the 
despising of God and his word, and the denial of our Lord, Jesus 
Christ, some by their lips and others by their conduct, is so extensively 
prevalent, impartially read and compare it with the word of God, it 
may be serviceable for their illumination and the advancement of 
their salvation. Yea, dear reader, in the writings of this zealous and 
godly man, you will find how sincerely and fearlessly he exhibited 
to every one the powerful and undefiled truth. He feared neither 
emperor nor king, neither high nor low, neither pope nor monks, 
neither life nor death. He sought the glory of God, and he exerted 
himself to extricate poor mankind from the darkness of popery and 
deliver them from all false doctrine. In zeal for God, and his rightful 
worship he was not inferior to Josiah, king of Judah. (2 Kings, 23.) 
With the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, (Eph. 6,) he 
went forth, breaking down the strange altars, and overthrowing the 
inventions of papacy with which the ignorant people from time to 
time were burdened, and the errors, which Luther and other reformers 
overlooked, he laid aside, namely the human instituted baptism of 
infants with other erroneous usages. Thus he again introduced and 
built up the true and apostolic service of God, so that a large people, 
as a pure and chaste virgin, were led to Christ, and many erring 
sheep were gathered together, which formerly were compelled to 
drink the impure water of false doctrine, which their shepherds 
defiled ; and thus were founded many communities, in many places 
in Friesland, Holland, Groningen, East Friesland, Brabant, and on 
the border of the Baltic Sea, and likewise in Germany, in the Pala- 
tinate, in Alsace, Bavaria, Suabia, Switzerland, Austria, Moravia, 
&c. The word of the Lord spread itself by his instrumentality, so 
powerfully, in defiance of all the tyranny and persecution of priests 
and governments, that it was evidently seen, how the strong hand 
of God, whom he glorified, rescued him from the power of his 
enemies. For by a bloody decree issued in 1543, he was declared an 
outlaw, and a sum of money was offered for his body, at the same 
time, that it was forbidden under pain of death to harbor him. Even 
criminals and murderers, as historians show, were promised the 
emperor's pardon, in case they would deliver him into prison ; so 
that he was continually in danger of his life. But he was not dis- 
couraged, on the contrary, he untiringly prosecuted the labors which 
God imposed upon him. The hand of the Lord conducted him, until, 
at length, after long combatting, and great victory, he terminated 
his career at Fresenburg, and died the death of the blessed, January 
the 31st, in the year 1561, at the age of sixty-six years. Beloved 



JOHN herr's preface. 5 

reader, in our author's writings, you will find, if impartial, with 
what simplicity and energy he proclaimed the gospel, in its correct 
sense and scope ; how he defended Christ the crucified, and his saving 
doctrine, against false principles and perverted teachers, with whom, 
he dealt sharply and keenly, and represented to them the dreadful 
judgments of God with which the scriptures threaten all deluding 
ministers, and which he well perceived would be their lot if they 
were not converted. Indeed, he might well say with the apostle, he 
knew none according to the flesh, "he reproved, threatened and 
exhorted," as Paul teaches, without respect to persons, he, sought 
not good will or honor among men, but instead his zeal in the Lord's 
house was so strong and ardent that every thing besides was deemed 
of no importance ; he showed every one that there was no other way 
to happiness, than through self-knowledge and true self-denial and 
the acceptation of Christ through faith, together with his righteous- 
ness, which he merited for us, out of pure love, grace and mercy by 
his blood and death. He further taught, that whosoever believes 
this, and experiences this love and elevated grace, in his soul, will, 
through them be induced to imitate Christ in every thing, and to 
place himself with childlike obedience, under the guidance of his 
doctrine and commandments ; but, those, on the contrary, who are 
not obedient to him in all that he taught, and follow not daily after 
him, plainly evince, that they, likewise, are not partakers with him — 
with his cross and death, and have not in possession that righteous- 
ness, which is acceptable to God, or if they had received a portion, 
"they have again lost it by deviating from the holy commandment." 
Hence, he never flattered such with hopes of peace, nor comforted 
them with soft pillows ; but, with the force of scripture, spread before 
them, the eternal doom, and destruction of their miserable souls, so 
that, they might, possibly, reflect, and be converted ere it would be 
too late. 

Further, it will easily be perceived by all those, into whose hands 
this book may fall, and who will read it with consideration, that the 
doctrine which I profess and teach, and that, of this godly reformer, 
entirely agree. He acknowledges Christ as the only foundation of 
our salvation ; so likewise do I. He confesses, that he who has thus 
found Christ, will follow him in all that he has commanded, (Matt. 
28) will be of the same mind as he was, (Philip, 2, 1 ) he will love 
his enemies, do good to those that hate him, overcoming evil with 
good, and thus heap coals of fire on their heads. (Matt. 1 ; Rom. 12.) 
The same do I inculcate, as my writings plainly show. He teaches, 
that in the kingdom of Christ, and in his church, no other sword is 
used, than the sword of the spirit, and no other regulation, than the 
regulation of Christ and his apostles, and that this church can not 
be kept in a state of purity, without bringing to bear, upon all 
ungodly scorners, and perverse and apostate members, all apostolic 
excommunication ; and that, then it is necessary to avoid the inter- 
course, without respect to persons with them, so as to induce a feeling 
of shame and self reproach ; all of which he clearly points out in this 
work, and which I also confess. Menno exhorted all believers, with 
scripture testimony, to abjure all false doctrine, to refrain from 
hearing corrupt teachers, to shun them, and separate themselves 
from them, as Christ's doctrine sets forth, (Matt. 7 ; Jer. 23, 16 ; 



b JOHN HERR S PREFACE. 

John 10 ; Rom. 16, 17, 18 ; 1 Tim. 6, 1 ; 2 Tim. 3, 5 ; Tit. 3, 10 ; Rev. 
2, 2.) This I also teach, and am fully persuaded, that where these 
instructions of Christ and his apostles are not heeded, but the faithful 
after being enlightened, and having perceived the great treachery of 
the faithless shepherds, yet, to please them, listen to them, there will 
not long be a communion in spirit, nor a unity of mind. For the leaven 
of misleading principles, will speedily insinuate itself, and confuse 
their minds ; so that, one will believe one thing, and another something 
different ; as the melancholy evidence of experience indicates amongst 
all sects. O how did the churches, in our author's time, who were 
taught and regenerated out of the word of God, and gathered from 
all sects by him unto one flock, so faithfully adhere to the word of 
God in this matter ! They sacrifice fortune, body, and life, in pre- 
ference to going into meeting, where the word of God was not 
proclaimed in its purity ; for which reason, also, many thousands 
had to suffer the most dreadful torture, or were forced to go into 
miserable banishment. 

These people were, by their persecutors, called anabaptists, because 
they considered no baptism apostolic, except its reception was 
grounded upon true faith, accor cling to the injunctions of Christ and 
his apostles. Afterwards, they were named after Menno, as being his 
fellow believers, Menonites, which name they have ever since borne to . 
the present time ; but how far they have deviated, from time to time, 
from the doctrine of this zealous and godly reformer, their fruits 
plainly exhibit to every one. 

It is, indeed, mournful to contemplate that, so great has been their 
degeneracy, as to make numbers, teachers not excepted, unwilling 
to assist in giving these his works to the world ; but, at the same time, 
I am in hopes, that a great proportion are innocent, in this respect, 
and such are exempted from the charge ; and, I have reason to believe 
that many are kept so much in darkness, that they are unacquainted 
with the writings of Menno, and imagine, that they are in entire 
agreement with what he taught, and consequently, they infer, that 
we have, as is frequently said, originated something new. But I have 
the pleasing confidence, that when they impartially read this work, 
which now makes its appearance both in English and German, and 
properly contemplate it in conjunction with scripture, and compare 
it with my writings, they will find that we insist on the same 
principles, and profess the same foundation of faith according to 
scripture. I must confess, however, that I feel myself far behind 
him, and, in my own eyes, cannot claim equality with him, since, 
although, exposed to the most terrifying persecutions, he, without 
the least concession, indefatigably pursued his vocation. This heavy 
trial I have never yet experienced, notwithstanding which I feel 
myself armed with the resolution, if God would allow such to be the 
case, to remain, with his help steadfast to the end : and this also, 
must be the mind of all christians. (1 Pet. 4, 1.) 

If our author, occasionally, uses severe expressions against the 
unrighteousness of the world, the misleaders of the people, and blood 
thirsty priests and governments, it is no more than what Christ, the 
instructor of all, himself did, ( Matt. 23 ; Luke 11 ) likewise the 
apostles : (Acts 8, 20 to 23 ; chap. 13, 10 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 1 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; James 
1 ; 2 John 1 ; Rev. 21. 8 ; Rev. 22, 15 ; <fcc. So also did the prophets, and 



JOHN here's preface. 7 

all faithful messengers of God, continually, represent his threatening 
judgment to the perverse and unregenerated, whence, they, likewise, 
were encessantly, more or less hated and persecuted by the world. 

Oh ! all ye, who profess to be peaceable christians, read this book 
• carefully, in which you can perceive, with the direction of scriptures, 
what properly constitutes a true and pacific christian, and conduct 
your lives accordingly, showing, in truth, that you are lovers of 
peace. Take upon you the disposition of the dove, and the innocence 
of the lamb, and evidence that you are branches in the vine Jesus, 
and made partakers of his divine nature. Let every one read for 
himself: For all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable 
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous- 
ness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto 
all good works. ( 2 Tim. 3, 16, 17.) 

Let us not any longer, after the fashion of our indolent flesh, say : 
Yet a little sleep, a little folding of the hands to sleep, &c. ( Prov. 24, 
31 ) for the messenger is before our door, calling upon us to give an 
account of our stewardship. O it is dreadful to fall into the hands 
of the living God ! he is a consuming fire to all who believe not, and 
whosoever has his name not written in the book of life, will be cast 
into the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death. 
Therefore, awake every one, and be converted to the Lord, learn of 
Christ, as the true prophet and teacher, accept his word and follow 
him, as Menno clearly inculcates, and your soul shall triumph over 
all that is sin, death, devil and hell, and shall reign with Christ 
forever and ever, Amen. 

But should you despise, for unjust reasons, the doctrine herein set 
forth, take heed that the judgments of God fall not the more heavily 
upon you ; for our author had, while yet living, many enemies and 
persecutors on account of what he taught, and so, also, did Christ 
and his apostles surfer for truth y s sake. Yea, my God, work thou, 
with thy grace, in the hearts of those, who read this book, give them 
enlightened eyes, and open understandings to perceive thy holy will, 
and prepare them to do in every thing, as is pleasing in thy sight, in 
these perverted and confused times, for the glory and honor of thy 
ever praised name, Amen. 

JOHN HERR, 
Near Strasburg, Lancaster Co, Pa. 

March 25th, 1835. 



TO THE READER. 



Pious, beloved reader : Since I perceive that our work, called, 
"The Fundament of Christian Doctrine," which I published a 
few years ago, has been productive of much good, through the grace 
of God, to whom be eternal praise and thanks ; and God's holy word 
which was obscured for such a long time, has been again a little 
explained, through our limited talents ; and many well disposed chil- 
dren, requested and entreated me, to revise and correct such parts as 
were obscured through the negligence of the printer, and which 
deprived the reader of the sense ; I was prevailed on, and did so. In 
some places I made additions ; explained the obscure parts-, and 
corrected those that were defective, and omitted all redundancies ; 
the style, language and form I improved, in order to be better suited 
to aid the reader, to make known and acceptable, the rejected truth. 

Not my reader, that I altered the first ground and contents ; by no 
means ! I have not altered, but as appears to me, improved its form, 
and confirmed it with more power and plainness. Those who fear 
God may judge. The former, as well as this, is God's word ; and all 
what the first teaches, this teaches also. May the almighty, merciful 
Father grant his grace, to accompany our little work, that it may 
produce much fruit in many thousands, Amen. 

MENNO SIMON. 

Note. The following Preface shows to whom this book is addressed, 
and was written at the time when the errors of Muntzer yet prevailed. 



PREFACE. 

To those in authority and all others, of whatever condition, Menno 
Simon wishes them the illumination of the spirit, and t7ie pure knowledge 
of the kingdom of God, of God our heavenly Father, and his son Jesus 
Christ our Lord, who has loved us and washed us from our sins with his 
blood. To him be praise, honor, glory, and thanksgiving to eternity, 



Dear Sirs, Friends and Brethren, since we teach from the scriptures, 
and from experience find, that the prediction of the prophets, Christ 
and of the apostles, is in full power concerning oppression, misery, 
want, persecution, danger, anxiety and false doctrine, in this last 
time, (Matt. 24 ; Mark 13 ; Luke 21 ; 1 Tim. 4 ; 2 Tim. 3 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; 



PREFACE. y 

Jude 1.) and this so powerfully, that the gracious Father must shorten 
these days, otherwise none will be saved. Therefore, we poor miser- 
able men entreat and admonish every one, and that through the mercy 
of the Lord, that he would for once candidly read our Ground' and 
belief, lay it well to heart and understand it, that you might know 
what kind of doctrine we inculcate and what faith we maintain, 
what kind of life we lead, and how we are disposed, on account of 
which we have to suffer so much, — must endure imprisonment, exile, 
be robbed, derided, defamed and slain as innocent sheep. In order 
that you may cordially weep and lament over your former bloody 
deeds before God, and be more circumspect and watchful and may 
henceforth be found to be more pious, sincere ; yea God-fearing 
magistracy, (Exod. 18, 23 ; Deut. 1, 17 ; 2 Chron. 19 ; Lev. 19) not to 
mortify and destroy, but be fathers and guardians of all miserable 
and wretched ; not exterminate, but defend righteousness, not perse- 
cutors, but followers of Christ and his word. Therefore, anoint your 
eyes with eye salve that you may see and know which is the true way 
of truth and life. (Rev. 3 ; John 14.) The way which is so strait and 
is found of few. (Matt. 7.) The truth, which is known to none, but 
to those who are taught of the spirit of the Lord, illuminated and 
drawn by the Father. (John 16; Matt. 11.) The life which is to 
know God the Father as the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom 
he sent, ( John 17,) that you may see him whom you pierced so 
outrageously, (Acts 1) and that you may with holy Paul fast and 
weep and humble yourselves before the Lord, ( 1 Cor. 15 ; Gal. 1 ; 
Eph. 3; Joel 2,) clothe yourselves in sack-cloth; rend your hearts 
and not your garments, that you may find grace in his sight. For 
he is long suffering, gracious and merciful and pardons the iniquity 
of all who sincerely repent and seek his grace, (Mic. 7.) Be 
no longer like Jeroboam, Ahab and Mannasseh, but like David, 
Hezekiah and Josiah; that you need not stand confounded in the 
great dread day of the Lord on account of your entrusted office — in 
that day which shall burn as an oven ; and all who have used violence 
and did unrighteously upon the earth shall be burnt up as dry straw 
and stubble. ( Mai. 4.) 

Therefore, we most humbly entreat you for the sake of Christ's 
merits, that you would thoroughly ponder and reflect upon our faith, 
doctrine and undertaking ; and not esteem us to be worse than you 
do thieves and murderers, whom you do not condemn without having 
perfect knowledge of their case. Our doings are not thievish, nor 
have we to do with possessions, but with God and his word, our 
bodies and souls, eternal life or eternal death. Therefore do not look 
upon the usages and customs of the fathers, nor upon the worldly 
wise and the learned, for it is hidden from them. ( Matt. 11.) They 
were always those who from the beginning thrust from them the 
wisdom of God through their own wisdom and have trampled it 
under foot. For the wisdom of God, which we teach, is a wisdom 
which none knows, except they who are desirous of living and walk- 
ing according to the will of God, ( 1 Cor. 1 ; John 7.) It is wisdom 
that is not to be brought from afar and to be taught in colleges. It • 
must come from above and be learned through the Holy Ghost. ( John 
3.) As Paul says: (Rom. 10.) Say not in thine heart; who shall 
ascend into heaven 1 That is to bring Christ down from above : Or, 



10 PREFACE. 

who shall descend into the deep? That is to bring up Christ from 
the dead. But the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy 
heart. That is, the word of faith which we preach, namely : That 
if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe 
in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be 
saved ; therefore, look to God's word, to the testimony and example 
of the holy prophets, the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles. Let 
these be your doctors, teachers, and not the ambitious feudal preachers 
of this world, then you will soon perceive, whether we are within or 
without the truth. May the almighty and eternal God give you such 
hearts and minds. To him be honor, praise and gratitude, the king- 
dom, power and majesty for ever, Amen. 

Seeing then, beloved, that satan can transform himself into an 
angel of light, (2 Cor. 11, ) and thus sow tares among the Lord's 
wheat (Matt. 3) such as the sword, polygamy, secular kingdom, and 
kings and the like errors on account of which the innocent have to 
suffer much ; hence we are urged to publish this our faith and doc- 
trine ; and we desire for Jesus' sake that we might obtain so much 
grace, that they would not treat and judge us except according to the 
word of God as is reasonable and just. But should we not obtain so 
much grace, we have to commend it unto the Lord, who is the only 
helper of every one in need. We will, nevertheless, through the grace 
of God, abide in the word of the Lord ; and comfort ourselves with 
the scriptures, which say : Thus saith the Lord that created thee, 
O Jacob, and he that formed thee : O Israel ; fear not : for I have 
redeemed thee, I have called thee by my name; thou art mine. 
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and 
through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee ; when thou walkest 
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame 
kindle upon thee ; for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy one 
of Israel, thy Saviour. (Isa. 43.) Again : Fear ye not the reproach 
of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings ; for the moth shall 
eat them up like a garment and the worms shall eat them like 
wool — I, even I, am he that comforteth thee : who art thou that 
shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and the son of man which 
shall be made as grass ? ( Isa. 51.) Christ also says : Fear not them 
which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear 
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Whosoever 
will confess him before men, him will he also confess before his 
heavenly Father ; but whosoever denies him, him will he also deny 
before his heavenly Father. ( Matt. 10 ; Luke 12.) With the heart, 
says Paul, we believe unto righteousness, but with the mouth we 
make confession unto salvation. 

Since then the scriptures urge so much both as to Relieving and 
confessing, and comfort us so pleasantly against the raging and 
raving of men, therefore, do we desire to abide by the seriptures until 
death. And hereby testify before you in Christ Jesus, that we neither 
have, nor know of any other Ground, Faith or Doctrine, than what 
may be plainly read, heard or understood from the word of the Lord, 
, Amen. 

MENNO SIMON. 



MENNO SIMON'S RENUNCIATION 



CHURCH OF ROME. 



My Header — 

I write to you the truth in Christ, and lie not. In the year 
1524, being then in my twenty-eighth year, I undertook the 
duties of a priest in my father's village, called Penningum, in 
Friesland. Two others of similar age to myself, also officiated 
in the same station. The one was my pastor, and was well 
learned in part — the other succeeded me — both had read the 
scriptures partially; but I had not touched them during my 
life, for I feared, if I should read them, they would mislead me. 
Behold! such a stupid preacher I was, for nearly two years. 

In the first year thereafter a thought occurred to me, as 
often as I handled the bread and wine in the mass, that they 
were not the flesh and blood of the Lord. I thought that it 
was the suggestion of the devil, that he might lead me off from 
my faith. I confessed it often — sighed and prayed, yet I could 
not be freed from this thought. 

Those two aforementioned young men and myself spent our 
time daily in playing, drinking, and all manner of frivolous 
diversion, alas ! as it is the fashion and way of such useless 
people : and when we were to treat a little of scripture, I could 
not speak a word with them without being scoffed at ; for I did 
not know what I asserted — thus concealed was the word of 
God to my understanding. 

At length I resolved that I would examine the New Testa- 
ment attentively; — I had not proceeded far therein, ere I 
discovered that we were deceived. My conscience, which was 
troubled on account of the sacramental bread, aforementioned, 
soon obtained relief, without any human aid or advice ; though 



12 menno simon's renunciation 

I was encouraged by Luther in the belief, that human authority 
cannot bind to eternal death. 

Through the illumination and grace of the Lord, I continued 
daily to examine the scriptures, and was soon considered by 
some, though undeservedly, as being an Evangelical preacher. 
Every one sought my company — the world loved me and had 
my affections, yet it was said that I preached the word of God, 
and was a clever man. 

Afterwards it happened, before I had been aware of the 
existence of brethren, that a pious, paitient man, named Sicke 
Snyder, was hanged at Leuewarden for having his baptism 
renewed. It sounded strange to me, to hear a second baptism 
spoken of. I examined the scriptures, and meditated on them 
assiduously and earnestly, but could find nothing in them 
concerning infant baptism. After I had discovered this, I 
conversed with my pastor on the subject ; and after much dis- 
cussion, we carried it so far that he had to confess, that infant 
baptism had no scriptural foundation. Notwithstanding all 
this, I dared not trust my own understanding, but consulted 
several ancient authors. They taught me that children were 
to be washed by baptism from their original sin. I compared 
this doctrine with the scriptures and found that it made bap- 
tism take the place of the blood of Christ. 

Afterwards, desiring to know the grounds for infant baptism, 
I went and consulted Luther. He taught me that children 
were to be baptized on account of their own faith. 1 perceived 
that this also was not in accordance with the word of God. 

Next I consulted Bucer. He taught that infants were to be 
baptized — that their baptism would cause those, who had their 
training, to be more careful in bringing them up in the way 
of the Lord. I perceived that this doctrine, too, was without 
foundation. 

I then consulted Bulliger. He directed me to the covenant 
and circumcision. This I found incapable of being substan- 
tiated by scripture. 

Having thus observed that authors varied greatly among 
themselves, each following his own opinion, I became convinced 
that we were deceived in relation to infant baptism. 

Shortly after, I went to the village in which I was born, 
called Witmarsum. Covetousness and a desire to obtain a 
great name, were the inducements which led me to that place. 
There I spoke much concerning the scriptures without spiritu- 
ality or love, even as all hypocrites do. I made disciples of . 
my own stamp, such as vain boasters and light-minded persons, 
who, alas ! like myself, took but little of scriptural instruction 
to heart. And though I was able now to understand much of 



OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. 13 

the scriptures, yet I wasted that knowledge, through the lusts 
of my youth, in an impure, sensual, unprofitable life. I sought 
nothing but gain, ease, favor of men, splendor, reputation and 
honor, even as they all generally do, who embark in the same 
course of life. 

Thus, my reader, I obtained the knowledge of baptism and 
the Lord's supper, through the illumination of the Holy Ghost, 
— through much reading of the scriptures, aud meditating upon 
them, and through the gracious favor and gift of God, but not 
by means of the service of misleading sects, as it is reported 
of me. I hope that I write the truth and do not seek vain 
glory; though some, doubtless, may have contributed to my 
assistance in the pursuit of truth, yet will I, for this, render 
thanks to the Lord forever. 

Meanwhile it happened before I had resided there one year, 
that some had almost broke in upon us with baptism, but 
whence the first beginners were, or where they resided, or 
who they properly were, is unknown to me; neither have I 
ever seen them. 

Afterwards the sect of Munster made inroads, by whom 
many pious hearts in our quarter, were led into error. My 
soul was much troubled, for I perceived, that though they 
were zealous, they erred in doctrine. I exerted my feeble 
efforts, as far as I was able, in oppposing them by preaching 
and exhortations. I conferred twice with one of their leaders, 
once in private, and again in public ; but my admonitions 
availed nothing, because I did that myself which I well knew 
was not right. 

The report spread far abroad, that I could silence these per- 
sons. All looked to me. I saw that I was the leader in this 
combat — the surety of the impenitent — all depended upon me. 
This pained my heart ; I sighed and prayed : Lord help me 
least I make myself partaker of other men's sins. My soul was 
troubled and I reflected, if I should gain the whole world, and 
live a thousand years, and at last have to endure the wrath of 
God, what would I have gained ? 

Afterwards the poor straying flock, who wandered as sheep 
without a shepherd, after many severe edicts and slaughters, 
assembled near my place of residence, called Oude Cloistre, and, 
alas ! through the ungodly doctrine of Munster, drew the sword 
to defend themselves, which the Lord commanded Peter to put 
up in the sheath. 

The blood of the slain, although they were in error, grieved 
me so sorely that I could not endure it — I could find no rest 
in my soul. I reflected upon my carnal, sinful life — my hypo- 
critical doctrine and idolatry, in which I continued daily under 

2 



14 menno Simon's renunciation 

the appearance of godliness. I perceived that these zealous 
persons would willingly have resigned their lives and their 
estates, though they were in error, for the principles which 
they maintained. I was one of those who had discovered to 
them some of their abominations, and yet I myself remained 
satisfied with my unrestrained life, and known defilements. I 
wished only to live comfortably and without the cross of Christ. 

Thus reflecting, my soul was grieved beyond endurance. I 
meditated with myself — I miserable man ? What shall I do ? 
If I continue in this way and live not agreeably to the word of 
the Lord — if I refuse to exert my limited talents to rebuke, by 
the aid of the word of G-od, the learned hypocrisy, the impeni- 
tent lives, the perverted baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the 
false worship of God — If I, through bodily fear, refuse to show 
them the right foundation of truth, or forbear to use my powers 
to direct the wandering flock, who would gladly do their duty 
if they knew it, to the true pasture of Christ — Oh how shall 
their shecl blood rise against me in the judgment of the Al- 
mighty, and pronounce sentence against my miserable soul. 

My heart trembled in my body. I prayed to God with sighs 
and tears, that he would give to me, a troubled sinner, the gift 
of his grace, and create a clean heart within me ; that through 
the merits of the blood of Christ, He would graciously forgive 
my unclean and unprofitable life, and bestow upon me, wisdom, 
candor and fortitude, that I might with sincerity, preach his 
adorable name and holy word, and make manifest his truth to 
his praise. 

I began in the name of the Lord to preach publicly from the 
pulpit, the word of repentance — to direct the people into the 
narrow path — and through scripture to reprove all ungodliness 
and sin — all idolatry and false worship — and to present the 
truth concerning baptism and the Lord's Supper, according to 
the doctrine of Christ. 

I faithfully warned every one in relation to the abominations 
and crimes of Munster, concerning kings, 'polygamy, wealth, 
the sword, &c, till about the period of nine months, when the 
gracious Lord granted me his fatherly spirit and aid ; then I 
voluntarily renounced all my worldly honor and reputation — 
my unchristian conduct, masses, infant baptism, and my unpro- 
fitable life, and willingly submitted to poverty and distress, and 
to the yoke of Christ. In my weakness I feared the Lord— I 
sought out the pious, and though they were few in number, I 
found some, who were zealous and maintained the truth. I 
confered with the wicked, and through the word and power of 
God, reclaimed some from the snares of damnation, and gained 
them to Christ. The hardened and rebellious, I commended to 



OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. 15 

the Loid. Thus, my reader, the God of mercy, through the 
benign influence of his grace, exerted upon the heart of me a 
miserable sinner, produced in me a new mind, humbled me in 
in his fear, taught me to know myself in part, turned me from 
the way of death, and called me into the narrow path of life — 
to the communion of his saints. To him be praise forever 
more. 

About one year thereafter, at which time I exercised myself 
in writing and in reading the word of God in secret, it happened 
that six, seven or eight persons came to me, who were of one 
heart and one soul with myself, in their faith and life, and as 
far as man can judge, were unblamable, separated from the 
world and subdued to the cross. They cordially abhorred not 
only the sect of Munster, but the anathemas and abominations 
of all other worldly sects. With much solicitude, they kindly 
requested me to reflect on the sufferings, the oppression and 
distress of those souls whose spiritual hunger was great, whilst 
the faithful stewards were few. They desired that the talents 
which. I had unmeritedly received from the Lord, might be ap- 
plied to advantage. 

When I heard this my heart was greatly troubled. Trouble 
and fear were on every side ; for on the one hand I was sensi- 
ble of my limited talents, my great ignorance, my weak nature, 
the timidity of my flesh, the unbounded wickedness, perversity 
and tyranny of the world, the powerful sects, the subtlety of dif- 
ferent minds, and the heavy cross that would press me, should 
I comply with their solicitations. On the other hand, I saw the 
miserable starving condition of the Christians ; for I was aware 
that they erred as innocent sheep which have no shepherd. 

At last, after much prayer, I placed myself and these circum- 
stances before the Lord and his church, in order that we might 
pray to the Lord for a season, that should it accord with his 
holy will, he would give me such a mind and heart as would 
enable me to say with Paul, " Woe is me, if I preach not the 
Gospel ;" for Christ says, " That if two of you shall agree on 
earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done 
for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or 
three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them." (Matt. 18.) 

Thus, my reader, behold, I was not called to serve among the 
followers of Munster, nor of any other seditious sect, (as it is 
falsely reported concerning me,) but I have been called by a 
people who were ready to receive Christ and his word, led a 
penitent life in the fear of God, served their neighbors in love, 
bore the cross, sought the welfare and salvation of all men, 
loved righteousness and truth, and abhorred wickedness. Thus 



16 MENNO SIMON'S RENUNCIATION 

they manifested that they were not such perverted persons as 
as they are slanderously reported to have been. But they were 
true Christians, though unknown to the world ; if we otherwise 
believe that Christ's word is true, and his holy life and example 
unblameable. 

Thus have I, a miserable sinner, been enlightened of the Lord, 
converted to a new mind, fled from Babel, went into Jerusalem, 
and finally I have, though unworthy, advanced to this high and 
arduous station. 

When the persons before mentioned, did not desist from their 
supplications, and my own conscience in some degree made me 
uneasy, (although in weakness) because I saw the great hunger 
and need, already named, I surrendered myself, soul and body, 
to the Lord and committed myself to his grace, and commenced, 
according to the contents of his holy word, to teach, and to 
baptize, to labor in the vineyard of the Lord with my limited 
talents, to build up his holy city and temple, and to repair the 
dilapidated walls. The great and mighty God has made known 
the word of true repentance — the word of his grace and power, 
together with the salutary use of his holy sacraments, through 
our insignificant service and unlearned writings, together with 
the service, labor and help of our faithful brethren in many 
towns and countries. The Lord made the condition of his 
churches glorious, and accompanied them with such a subduing 
power that many exalted and proud hearts were not only hum- 
bled, the unclean not only purified, the drunkard made sober, 
the avaricious benevolent, the ferocious mild, and the impious 
pious ; but they also faithfully renounced their possessions and 
blood, bodies and lives, for the testimony of Jesus, as may daily 
be seen. These are not the fruits and evidences of false doc- 
trines, where God is not a co-worker. Neither could they en- 
dure so long under such grievous misery and oppressive crosses, 
were it not the power and word of the Almighty which sustains 
them. Yea, more, the Lord endued them with such grace and 
wisdom, as Christ has promised to all his children in their trials, 
so that all the worldly-wise and renowned teachers, together 
with the blood-guilty daring tyrants, who, O God, boast that 
they are Christians, were vanquished and abashed by these in- 
vincible champions and witnesses of Christ. Those ferocious 
persons knew of no other weapons or refuge to which to resort 
than those of banishing, seizing, punishing, burning, murdering, 
and destroying, even as has always been the custom of the old 
serpent, from the beginning, and as may be daily witnessed in 
many places of our Netherlands. 

Behold these are our calling, our doctrine and fruits of our 
practice ; on account of which we are so grievously slandered 



OF THE CHURCH OF ROME. 17 

and so malevolently persecuted; whether or not all the prophets, 
apostles, and faithful servants of God have endured similar suf- 
ferings on account of their faithfulness, we willingly leave all 
the pious to be judges. 

But as much as regards my poor, weak and imperfect life, I 
freely confess that I am a poor wretched sinner, conceived of 
sinful seed in sin, and sinfully brought brought forth. I can 
say with David, il That my sins are ever before me. My thoughts, 
words and actions condemn me." I see with holy Paul, " That 
nothing good dwells in my flesh." Nevertheless, I must be al- 
lowed to boast this much in my weakness, if this wicked deso- 
late world would hear our doctrine (not ours but the doctrine 
of Christ) with patience and follow it implicitly, in the fear of 
God, there would soon be another kind of Christianity than is, 
alas ! existing now. 

I thank God, who has made me willing with holy Paul, to 
hate the evil and follow the good ; and willingly, would I with 
my own blood, reclaim the wicked world from ungodly works, 
and gain it to Christ. Through the grace of God, it is all my 
desire to fear the Lord with all my heart ; to love, seek and 
serve him, to do right before him, and be an unblamable godly 
Christian. 

I hope through the Lord's mercy and assistance, that no one 
upon earth may have ground to accuse me of leading an avari- 
cious and luxurious life. Money and affluence J have not — I 
desire them not, although alas, some from a perverted heart, 
say that I eat more roasted than they do seethed ; and drink 
more wine than they do beer. My Lord and master, Jesus 
Christ, was also called a winebibber, and a glutton. I trust 
that through the grace of the Lord, I am innocent in this 
matter, and stand acquitted before God. 

He who purchased me with the blood of his love, and called 
me who am unworthy to his service, knows me, and knows that 
I seek not wealth nor luxury nor ease, but only the praise of 
the Lord, my salvation, and the souls of those on whose account 
I, with my poor weak wife and children, had to endure for 
eighteen years, so much affliction and persecution. Every 
where around me were fears and dangers ; yea when the minis- 
ters repose on easy beds and downy pillows, we have to conceal 
ourselves in secret. When they at weddings pipe and beat the 
tambour and vaunt loudly, we must look out, when the dogs 
bark, lest the captors be at hand. Whilst they are saluted as 
doctors, lords and teachers by every one, we have to hear that 
we are Ana-baptists, hedge preachers, deceivers and heretics, 
and must be saluted in the name of the devil. In short, whilst 
they are gloriously rewarded for their services with large in- 

2* 



13 menno simon's renunciation. 

comes and easy times, our recompense and portion must be 
fire, sword and death. 

Behold my faithful readers in such fear, poverty, misery and 
danger of death, have I wretched man, performed to this hour, 
without change, the service of the Lord, and I hope through 
his grace to continue therein to his glory, as long as I remain 
in this earthly tabernacle. What I and my co-workers have 
sought in performing our arduous duties, is apparent to all the 
well-disposed, who may readily judge from the works and their 
fruits. . 

I will here humbly entreat the reader for Jesus* sake, to 
accept in love, this my confession in relation to my illumination, 
conversion and calling, and to meditate thereon. I have made 
it on account of urgent necessity ; because I was slandered by 
the clergy, and am accused without foundation of truth, of 
being called and ordained to the service of a seditious and 
heretical sect. He that feareth God let him read and judge. 

MENNO SIMON. 



OF THE DAY OF GRACE. 19 



OF THE DAY OF GEACE. 

V 

In the first place we teach, (John 3,) what Jesus, the teacher 
from heaven, the oracle and word of the Most High God, him- 
self, taught, that now is the time of grace, a time to awaken 
from the sleep of our abominable sins, (Rom. 13,) and obtain 
an upright, converted, renewed, contrite and repenting heart, 
and cordially to lament before God, our past profligate and 
dissolute course of life. And now is the time, in the fear of 
God, to crucify and mortify our depraved, sinful flesh, temper 
and nature, and arise with Christ into a new, righteous, and 
penitent life and conduct. (Eph. 4 ; Gal. 5 ; Rom. 6 ; Mark 1.) 
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand : 
repent ye and believe the Gospel. 

The time is fulfilled, that is, the promised day of grace 
approaches — the time for the appearing of the promised seed, 
the time of redemption, the time of that offering by which all 
things were to be reconciled in heaven and upon e%rth. (Gen. 
3 ; Col. 1; Eph. 1.) The time for the consummation of all the 
literal and figurative transaction into new, spiritual and abiding 
truth. The time for which the fathers, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, 
David, Daniel, &c, with all the patriarchs and prophets, looked 
and hoped with many tears. They saw this time, by faith, from 
afar, and drew their comfort and hopes therefrom. (Heb. 11.) 
Yea, it was to them such a great and pleasing consolation, that 
good old Simeon desired life no longer, when he beheld the time 
and saw the Redemer. He said, Lord, now lettest thou thy 
servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes 
have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the 
face of all people. 

The time is fulfilled. — The predictions of the prophets and 
promises of the fathers, are performed. — The sworn oath is 
accomplished — Israel has obtained its David, its Prince and 
Chief. He has arisen as a mighty one to prepare his way. 
(Ps. 2; Isa. 9; Jer. 23, 30, 33; Hos. 3.) His going forth is 
from the heavens — the Anointed who was the desire of all 
nations has come, girded with the sword of the spirit and 
valiant for battle. (Is. 19 ; Mich. 5 ; Hag. 2 ; Is. 24.) He has 
declared the gospel of the kingdom — the word of his Father. 
He taught by precept and by the example of his unblemished 
life. (Mat. 4; John 7, 13, 15.) He has conquered the mighty, 
and subdued the power of the devil ; he bore our sins, abolished 
death, reconciled the father, and acquired for all the children 



20 OF THE DAY OF GRACE. 

of God, grace, mercy and eternal life. (Matt. 11; Luke 11; 
Heb. 2 ; Isa. 53 ; 1 Peter 2 ; 1 Cor. 15 ; Col. 1.) He has been 

ordained by his Almighty and eternal Father as an omnipotent 
King over the holy Mount Zion. He has become the head of 
the church, a dispenser of the heavenly blessings, yea, he is an 
Almighty Ruler over all, in heaven and upon earth, Isa. 2 ; 
Eph. 2 ; Heb. 3,) and this is what Christ saith, the time is ful- 
filled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. 

Out of compassion and a sincere heart, I beseech you with 
the apostle Paul, that you take heed to this day of grace, and 
be obedient to the word of God, which says : " I have heard 
thee in an accepted time ; and in the day of salvation, have I 
succoured thee. Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the 
day of salvation." Let us, with Paul, give no offence to any one, 
that our ministry be not slandered, but in all things approving 
ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience in afflic- 
tions, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonment, in tumults, 
(understand this in relation to things which befall us,) in labors, 
in watchings, in fastings ; by pureness, by knowledge, by long- 
suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 
by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of 
righteousness, in the right hand, and in the left by honor and 
dishonor, by evil report and good report ; as deceivers and yet 
true ; as unknown, and yet well known : as dying, and behold, 
we live ; as chastened and not killed ; as sorrowful, yet always 
rejoicing ; as poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing 
and yet possessing all things, (2 Cor. 6, 1, 10.) Oh my beloved 
sirs, friends and brethren, my mouth is open unto you and my 
heart is enlarged for your sake. I am much grieved that you 
are so careless, and pay no attention to these plain, intelligible 
scriptures — that you wholly contemn the word of the Lord, and 
suffer the precious time of grace to pass so shamefully away, 
and regard nothing more than to live according to the lusts of 
your flesh whilst you bow to dumb idols. Alas ! It is the time 
to awaken. The angel has sworn (Rev. 10) by him that liveth 
for ever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are 
therein and the earth, that after this time, there shall be time 
no more. We know not but that now, the present time, is the 
last vigil of the year, the last proclamation of the holy gospel, 
the last invitation to the marriage of the Lamb, which is to be 
celebrated and promulgated before the great and terrible day 
of the Lord. Hence we may conclude that the summer will 
pass away and the winter approach. They, who like the foolish 
virgins, neglect to trim their lamps, will come too late, and 
knock, and shall be excluded. (Mat. 25.) Therefore, comfort 
not one another with idle comfort, and vain hope ; even as some 



OF THE DAY OF GRACE. 21 

do who think that the word should be taught, whilst they reject 
the cross. I mean those who know the word of the Lord, but 
live not according to it. The Lamb is slain from the founda- 
tion of the world, (Eev. 13,) yea, he did' not only suffer, in his 
body, but he also through the cross and death, entered into that 
glory which he had left for our sakes. (Luke 24 ; John 17 ; 
Phil. 2.) If Christ then had to suffer such anguish, misery and 
pain, how can his servants expect peace, whilst they are in the 
flesh. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, 
how much more shall they call those of his household ? (Math. 
10, 25.) All that would live godly in Christ Jesus, says Paul, 
must suffer persecution, (2 Tim. 3.) Ye shall be hated, saith 
Christ, by all men for my name's sake. (Matt. 10.) 

Banish then all thoughts of delay from your heart, lest ye be 
deceived through vain hopes. I knew some who waited for 
more propitious days, to serve the Lord, but they did not live 
to realize their hopes. Had the apostles and the Fathers thus 
delayed, the gospel would, at this day be unknown and the 
word of the kingdom would be concealed. Oh, if you, who 
boast that you are christians and the children of God, w 7 ere as 
you ought to be, you would say with Paul : Who shall separate 
us from the love of God, (Rom. 3.) For the flesh, the devil, 
sin, hell and death would all be subdued, there would be no 
desire to remain any longer in this depraved, wicked, sanguinary 
world. Ye would boast of nothing save the cross of Christ, 
?(Gal. 6,) and like Paul desire to be delivered from this body 
and live with Christ, (Phil. 2.) I cordially desire that you may 
awaken without delay; and may the gracious Lord give us 
liberty and joy, which we shall thankfully receive at his 
gracious hands ; but should he withhold his blessings, still his 
great name must, and shall be praised eternally. We have all 
enjoyed the acceptable time of grace ; for now is the day of 
salvation. Let us not, like ungrateful, disobedient, bloodthirsty 
Jerusalem, reject the divine peace, heavenly grace, but let us 
awaken, with sober hearts and hear the inviting voice and rise 
now from the slumber of our offensive sins, for the Lord is at 
hand ; the night is far spent, the day is at hand ; let us, there- 
fore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor 
of light, let us walk honestly as in the day ; not in rioting and 
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife 
and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not 
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Rom. 13.) 
Let every one be vigilant, for now is the time which the grace 
of God has given for repentance. Ecce, nunc tempus accep- 
tum, Ecce, nunc dies salutis. Behold, now is the accepted 
time, behold now is the day of salvation. 



22 OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 



OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 

In the second place we exhort you in the language of Christ, 
repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Math. 4.) Oh 
thou faithful word of divine grace and love, thou art read and 
sung, and preached with the mouth, with life, and death, and 
proclaimed in different parts of the world, but thy power so 
few desire ; and what is more deplorable, those who receive 
thee, are made a prey by an ungodly world. Beloved, it will 
avail us nothing to be called christians and boast of the Lord's 
blood, merits, grace and gospel, as long as we are not con 
verted from a sinful life. It is all in vain that we are called 
christians, or that Christ died, or that we were born in the days 
of grace, and baptized with water, if we walk not in obedience 
to all the commandments of God, therefore let us awaken from 
the slumber of sin. Behold the world lieth in wickedness. 
All around may be seen sensuality, pride, lying, fraud, avarice, 
strife, incontinence, murdering, hypocricy, blasphemy, idolatry 
and false worship. (Ps. 31 ; Ezek. 22 ; Mic. 6 ; Hos. 4 ; Eom.4.) 
In short, the efforts of a sinful world are directed against what 
God commands. Who can relate the alarming condition of the 
present times. Yet the wicked want to call themselves the holy 
christian church ! Oh no ! they who do such things, saith Paul, 
will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Rom. 1; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 
5; Eph. 5; Rev. 21 ; John 3.) ye men, awake from your 
slumbers, for thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto you 
except ye be born from above ye shall not see the kingdom of 
God. Again, verily, verily I say unto you, except ye be born 
of water and spirit, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
Again, verily, verily, I say, except ye repent and become as 
little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, 
(Matt. 18.) What does it profit to speak much of Christ and 
his word, if we do not believe him and obey his command- 
ments. Again, 1 say, awaken, banish accursed unbelief with 
all unrighteousness from your hearts ; live a pious, penitent 
life according to the scriptures ; for Christ says, except ye 
repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13.) Here do not 
understand such repentance as is taught by an erring world, 
which is only an outward appearance, consisting of human 
righteousness, such as hypocritical fasting, pilgrimage, praying 
and reading of Pater Nosters and Ave Marias, hearing frequent 
masses, auricular confessions and the like hypocricv, which 
Christ and his holy apostles did not teach and command, and, 



OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 23 

therefore, instead of profiting, it will tend to provoke and 
excite divine displeasure. Such doctrines are fruitless and 
unavailing — the commands of men — the enchanted wine of 
Babylonian whoredom, which those, who have dwelt upon the 
earth have drunk for so many ages. (Rev. 17.) But we speak 
of a repentance possessed of power. That which was taught 
by John, to the Jews — " Bring forth fruits meet for repentance, 
and think not to say within yourselves we have Abraham for 
our father, for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones 
to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe 
is laid at the root of the trees ; therefore, every tree which 
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the 
fire." 

Behold, dear reader, the repentance we teach, is to die unto 
sin, and all ungodly works, and live no longer according to the 
lusts of the flesh. Do as David did, (2 Kings 12 : 22, 24,) when 
he was reproved by the prophet on account of his adultery, 
and for numbering the people : He wept bitterly, called upon 
God, forsook the evil and did so no more. Peter sinned very 
grievously but once, and no more. Matthew, when called by 
the Saviour forsook his former way of life. (Matt. 16.) Zaccheus 
and the sinful woman did not again return to the sinful works 
of darkness, (Matt. 9.) Zaccheus made restitution to those 
whom he had defrauded, and gave one-half of his goods to the 
poor and distressed, (Luke 10 : 8.) And the woman wept bit- 
terly ; she washed the feet of the Lord with her tears, and wiped 
them with the hair of her head ; she anointed him with precious 
ointment, and sat humbly at his feet to listen to his blessed 
word. (Luke 7 : 10.) These are the precious fruits of that 
repentance which is acceptable to the Lord. Therefore, it was 
said unto David, (2 Kings 12,) that the Lord removed his sins 
from him. To Peter it was proclaimed that the Lord had 
arisen from the dead. (Matt. 9, 10.) Matthew was called to be 
an apostle. Zaccheus was told that he had become a son of 
Abraham. Magdalena was commended for choosing the better 
part which would never be taken from her, (Luke 10.) And 
Christ said to the adultress to depart in peace and sin no more. 
Such a repentance we teach and none other. Namely, that 
no one can count himself pious, and glory in the grace of God, 
the forgiveness of sin, or the merits of Christ, unless he has 
truly repented. It is not enough to say, we are Abraham's chil- 
dren, that is, that we profess to be christians and be esteemed 
as the* followers of Christ. But we must do the works of 
Abraham, that is, we must walk as all the true children of 
God are commanded to walk. John says, " If we say we have 
fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not 



24 OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 

the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we 
have fellowship one with another : and the blood of Christ, his 
son, cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1, 6, 8.) I ask my 
readers if they ever read in the scriptures that an impenitent, 
obdurate man who fears not God nor his word, who is earthly, 
sensual, and devilish, and lives according to his lusts can be a 
child of God and a joint heir of Christ? you must answer, no. 
But he that with all his heart ceases from evil and learns to do 
well, to him in the whole scriptures, the grace of the Lord is 
proclaimed. Thus the prophet says : wash ye ; make you clean ; 
put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease 
to do evil, learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, 
judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now let us 
reason together, saith the Lord : Though your sins be as scar- 
let, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like 
crimson, they shall be as wool, (Isaiah 1.) And again. But if 
the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, 
and keep all my statutes and do that which is lawful and right, 
he shall surely live, — he shall not die. All his transgressions 
which he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto 
him. (Ezek. 1, 8.) And further, search the whole scriptures, 
the true instructions and testimonies of the holy prophets, 
evangelists and apostles ; and you will find it clearly stated 
how this godly repentance is to be performed in sincerity; 
and that without it no one can receive grace, or enter into the 
kingdom of heaven. In short, as far as in us lies, we teach 
repentance from the word of the Lord, in order that ye may 
destroy those carnal lusts which war against the soul, (1 Pet. 
2 ;) crucify the flesh with its lusts and desires, (Gal. 5 ;) refrain 
from conformity to this world, (Rom. 18 ;) subdue the love of 
this world and the things therein, (John 1 ;) put off the old man 
with his deeds, and put on the new, which is renewed in 
knowledge, after the image of him, that created him, (Col. 5 ;) 
put off old Adam with his whole nature and deceitful lusts, 
such as pride, avarice, unchastity, hatred, envyings, gluttony, 
drinking, idolatry, and that ye put on the new man which after 
God is created in righteousness and true holiness, whose fruits 
are faith, love, hope, righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy 
Ghost. (Eph. 4; Gal. 5 ; 1 Cor. 13 ; Rom. 14.) In suffering be 
patient, merciful, compassionate and chaste ; and hate and 
rebuke all sin. Entertain a cordial zeal for God and his word. 
I repeat it again, this repentance must be sincere, fruitful, 
acceptable to the Lord and according to his word. " He that 
receives this grace, and retains it to the end, may rejoice and 
thank God, for the end thereof is eternal life. But he that 



OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 25 

rejects it and desires it not, be he warned that the end is eter- 
nal woe. 

Beloved, do for once lay it to heart, what it is, and what the 
consequences will be, to wilfully transgress the commands of 
the Most High. Adam and Eve ate but once of the forbidden 
fruit, which the Lord had commanded them not to eat, (Glen. 
3;) and the earth was cursed. In the sweat of his face, Adam 
was doomed to eat his bread all the days of his life. Eve and 
her daughters must bring forth in pain and be in subjection to 
their husbands. Both were driven from Paradise, and, with all 
their race, placed under the sentence : Dust thou art and unto 
dust shalt thou return. There was no forgiveness, no conso- 
lation. But the Eternal Word, God's eternal Son, came from 
the high heavens — assumed human nature, suffered hunger, 
temptation, misery, the cross and death, for the redemption of 
man. Oh beloved, if this single transgression was so great 
before God, what shall become of those who proudly despise 
the holy word, the covenant, the will and command of the Lord ; 
who do not confess, nor desist from their sins, though they are 
full of iniquity from the crown of the head to the soles of the 
feet. Cain was cursed and became a vagrant upon earth, 
because he so enviously slew his innocent brother Abel. (Gen. 
4.) Alas, what will become of those who at the present day 
without compassion, persecute, plunder, and murder the pious 
Abelites, who, with warm and sincere hearts, seek Christ and 
eternal life. The ancient world was drowned in the waters of 
the flood, because the "sons of God looked upon the daughters 
of men, that they were fair, and took to themselves wives of all 
which they choose." And also, because they would not be 
reproved by the spirit of God, for every imagination and thought 
of the heart was evil continually. (Gen. 6, 7, 8.) Reflect upon 
the lusts with which the marriages of the present day are con- 
tracted ; Yea like horses and mules, without the fear of God. 
(Job 6.) How the Holy Ghost is reviled, slandered and grieved, 
and how they all walk in their perverted way which leads to 
hell. Sodom and Gomorrah with the surrounding cities, were 
burned up with the fire of the furious wrath of God, and cast 
into the abyss of hell, on account of their pride, wantonness, 
cruelty and abominable crimes. (Gen. 18, 19 ; Ezek. 16.) Alas 1 
what will befall those miserable men in the great and terrible 
day when the Lord will appear in his glory, those miserable 
men, whose pride, covetousness, debauchery, pomp, tyranny, 
blood thirsty, adultery, fornication, papal abominations, no heart 
can conceive, no tongue can express or describe. (Rom. 1; 
ITim. 1.) 

Koran, Dathan and Abiram, though they were the seed of 
3 



26 OF SINCERE AND TRUE REPENTANCE. 

Abraham, and some of them born of Levi, yet because they 
revolted against Moses and Aaron, and entered uncalled into 
the sacerdotal office, they and all their company, were sunk 
into the earth alive. (Numb. 16.) Reflect, what will ultimately 
befall our Korites, or what they have to await, who have never 
acknowledged God, much less, have been sent by him. Their 
service and calling are not from God, nor according to his . 
word, but, as the scriptures teach, are from the infernal abyss, 
and are of the dragon and the beast, (Rev. 9, 13, 17,) who mis- 
lead so many miserable souls by their seducing doctrines, Baby- 
lonian sorcery, and hypocritical lives, and not only despise, but 
persecute, crucify and kill Christ — the righteous Moses and 
Aaron. Moses, the faithful servant of God, could not enter 
the promised land, only because he was once faint-hearted, and 
doubted the word of the Lord, (Num. 4 ;) how much less shall 
this unbelieving, faithless, perverted, stiff-necked generation, 
enter the eternal promised land of glory, who not only dis- 
believe, but despise the word of the Lord — the delightful gospel 
of Christ. They hate it bitterly and persecute it ; trample the 
blood of Christ under foot, stop their ears against the truth, 
and refuse to be taught by any means, either by truth or the 
unblamable lives of the saints, or by the innocent blood of the 
worthy-witnesses of Jesus, which has been shed, and, in many 
countries flowed like water. 

ye miserable men, who commit so much evil, and are such 
loathsome objects before God, take heed, to the word of the 
Lord, Cleanse yourselves, purify your hands and unbelieving 
hearts, and do not longer despise God's grace with your vain 
boastings, and say not, Abraham is your father, (James 4;) or 
that you are children of God, that Christ died for you ; that you 
trust in his mercy. Trust not to lies, says Jeremiah the pro- 
phet. Say not here is the temple of the Lord, the temple of 
the Lord, the temple of the Lord, for it avails nothing that 
Christ died, and that we are called by his name, if we do not 
possess a sincere and powerful faith in Christ Jesus, and exer- 
cise unfeigned love and lead an obedient, pious, unblamable 
life. God's mercy, says the scriptures, is towards his saints, 
and his care is over his chosen. (Wisd. 4.) The hope of the 
wicked is in vain, (Wisd. 5.) The eyes of the Lord are upon 
the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry, (Ps. 33 ; 1 
Pet. 3;) Ye are my friends, saith Christ, if you do whatever I 
command you, (John 15.) Therefore we pray and exhort you 
again to reform yourselves. He is the same unchangeable God. 
(Math. 3 ; James 1.) He is a strict, jealous, and rigid punisher 
of all wickedness, yea, a righteous judge of all ungodliness, 
and every evil work. He visits the iniquities of the fathers 



OF FAITH. 27 

upon the children, until the third and fourth generations of 
them that hate him ; on the other hand, he is gracious, kind 
and merciful unto thousands of them that love him and keep 
his commandments. (Ex. 30.) Oh reader, reader, beloved 
reader, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living 
God. (Heb. 10.) The time is fulfilled, now is the accepted 
time — now is the day of salvation. (Mark 2 ; Cor. 6.) The 
kingdom of heaven is at hand, would you inherit it and enter 
into it? You must reform, not only in appearance, as the hypo- 
crites do, but as sincere penitents, with all your heart and with 
all your powers, and bring forth good fruit. If not, you must 
be cut off and cast into the fire of fierce wrath. (Matt. 3 ; Luke 
3 ; John 15.) Imo, nisi resipuerite, omnes similiter, peritites, 
(Luke 13,) (i. e.) unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 



OF FAITH. 

In the third place, we teach with Christ, and say "Believe 
the gospel." Mark 1. That gospel is the glad tidings, and 
promulgation of God's grace tous- ward, and of the forgiveness of 
our sins through Christ Jesus. Faith receives this gospel through 
the Holy Ghost, and does not look upon former righteousness 
or unrighteousness, but the believer hopes, (Eom. 4,) and with 
the whole heart, depends upon the grace, word and promises of 
the Lord. He knows that God is true and that his promises 
are sure, (Ps. 51, 14, 4,) whereby the heart is renewed, con- 
verted, justified, made pious, peaceable and joyous. (Rom. 3> 
5 ; Gal. 2.) He is born a child of God, (John 1,) approaches 
with full confidence to the throne of grace, (Heb. 4,) and thus 
becomes a joint heir with Christ, a possessor of eternal life. 
(John 7;' Rom. 8; 1 Tim. 1.) 

Believers awaken in time. They hear and believe the word 
of the Lord. They weep over their past unworthy life and 
conduct. They desire medicine, help, and advice for their sick 
souls. (Matt. 26.) To such, Christ, who is the comforter of all 
troubled hearts, says, " Believe the gospel." That is, fear not; 
rejoice and be comforted; I will not punish you, but will heal 
you, comfort you, and give you life. (Isai. 41.) A bruised reed 
I will not break, and smoking flax I will not quench : but I will 
bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which 
was weak, I will seek for what was lost. (Ezek. 24 ; Matt. 11.) 
For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 
(Matt. 9 ; Luke 2 ; John 1 ; 1 John 1.) According to the good 



28 OF FAITH. 

pleasure of my heavenly Father, I came into the world, and by 
the power of the Holy Ghost, I became a visible, tangible and 
dying man ; in all points like unto you, sin excepted. (Heb. 4 ; 
Luke 2 ; Phil. 2.) I was born of Mary the spotless virgin ; I 
came down from heaven, proceeded from the mouth of the Most 
High ; am the first born of every creature ; the first and the 
last ; the beginning and the end, (Eccle. 24 ; Col. 3 ; Rev. 1, 
21 ; I am the Son of the Almighty God ; Matt. 16,) anointed 
with the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel to the poor, and to 
bind up the broken hearted, (Isa. 61 ; Luke 4,) to proclaim 
liberty to the captives ; to give sight to the blind ; to set at 
liberty the prisoners and to preach the acceptable year of the 
Lord. Believe the gospel. I am the Lamb that was offered 
for you all. I take away the sins of the whole world. My 
Father has 'made me unto you wisdom, sanctification and re- 
demption, (Exodus, 5 ; 1 Cor. 5 ; John 1 ; 1 Cor. 1 ; Isai. 28 ; 
Rom. 6, 10 ;) those who believe on me shall not be made 
ashamed ; yea, all that believe that I am he shall have eternal 
life. (John 3.) Behold, beloved, all who believe this, are 
those of whom the scriptures say, to them gave he power to be- 
come the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, 
which are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of 
the will of man, but of God, (John 1, 12, 13.) These are they who 
are justified by faith and have peace with God, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained this grace, that 
we can boast of the hope of the glory of God- (Rom. 5.) And 
this, as Paul says, is all of grace and love ; for all are sinners 
and have come short of the glory of God. Being freely justi- 
fied by grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 
who God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in 
his blood, &c. (Rom. 3.) There is none that can boast of this 
faith — that he is saved of himself; for it is the gift of God. 
(Eph. 2.) All who receive faith from God, receive, as it were, 
a tree full of all manner of suitable fruit. Happy they who re- 
ceive this gift of God, for it is more precious than silver or gold, 
or gems — it is incomparable. He that obtains it, obtains Christ 
Jesus, forgiveness of sins, a new mind, and eternal life. True 
faith, which is acceptable to God is not dead. It brings forth 
fruit, and so manifests its nature. It is even fruitful in charity, 
it works and wills righteousness ; it mortifies the flesh ; it cru- 
cifies lust and sinful desires ; it rejoices in the cross of Christ ; 
is renewed and regenerated, it quickeneth, it makes holy and 
joyful in Christ Jesus. Such a faith, we say, is the gift of God, 
(Rom. 1,) by which according to the scriptures, the righteous 
are to live, as did Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab 
and all the saints. (Heb. 11.) Every good tree bringeth forth 



SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 29 

good fruit. (Gal. 3 ; Heb. 10.) And every tree which bringeth 
not forth good fruit, although in full and verdant foliage, must be 
accursed and consumed by fire. (Matt. 3, 21 ; Mark 1, 6 ; 
Luke 3.) And thus, also, a fruitless, powerless faith, such as is 
possessed by the world, and is not operative in love, be it ever 
so learned, and wise, and eloquent, and imposing and miracu- 
lous, still it is in the sight of God, unclean, dead, and cursed. 
(Matt. 6 ; 1 Cor. 13 ; James 2.) 

Therefore, we exhort you with Christ Jesus, believe the Gos- 
pel ; that is, believe the joyful news, — the message of divine 
grace, through Jesus Christ. Leave off sinning, manifest re- 
pentance, mourn for your past life, submit to the word and will 
of the Lord, then you will become joint-heirs and children of 
the new and heavenly Jerusalem, and be freed from your ene- 
mies, hell, the devil, sin and death. Walk according to the 
spirit and not according to the flesh. (Rom. 8.) Quid credit 
filio Dei habet vitam ceternam, i. e. he that believeth on the 
son of God hath eternal life. 



SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 

We, poor wretched men, forsaken of every human assistance, 
and all consolations, have, like innocent sheep, without a shep- 
herd, become a prey to the roaring and fierce lions of the 
forest, and the devouring beasts of the field ; to the world we 
have become a spectacle and a reproach. (1 Cor. 4.) We 
have to suffer daily the oppression of lords and nobles, the in- 
human reviling and abuse of the learned ; and the lying, scorn- 
ing and mockery of the common people. We humbly entreat 
the imperial majesty, kings, lords, princes and officers, every 
one in his station, of worthiness and highness, by the deep and 
bloody wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you lay aside all 
displeasure and bad opinion of us, and reflect with pity on the 
inhuman and severe trials, misery, wants, crosses, and murder- 
ings of your helpless and innocent servants ; for the great Lord 
before whom we stand, who is the searcher of all' hearts, and 
before whose eyes all things are revealed, (Ps. 7 ; Jer. 17 ; 
Rom. 8; Heb. 4,) knows that we seek nothing else upon this 
earth, than that we, with a good conscience, may live accord- 
ing to his holy commandments, ordinances, word and will. But 
there are, alas ! in our day, some evil sects, which will doubt- 
less, be manifested in due time. 

Do, therefore, condescend so much as to read our writings 
3* 



30 SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 

with attention, and with a godfearing and impartial heart, so 
that you may know us, and cease to deter us from our doc- 
trines, faith and practice, by persecution, poverty, misery and 
death. Be pleased, therefore, to examine more deeply into the 
truth — and be no longer guilty of innocent blood. 

Show some natural pity — some humanity towards your poor 
servants. Think not that we, miserable, forlorn men, are wood 
or stone, but we are descended with you, from one father, Adam, 
and from one mother Eve, and are created by the same God. 
We have a common entrance into this world, are clothed with 
the same nature, which desires rest and peace, — have wives and 
children as well as you, and are naturally like all other crea- 
tures on earth, afraid of death. 

Therefore, humble yourselves in the name of Christ, and save 
your poor souls. Examine our doctrine and instructions, and 
you will find through the grace of God, that they are the pure, 
unadulterated doctrines of Christ, — the holy "Word, the Word 
of eternal peace, (Acts 20 ; Eph. 2,) the Word of eternal truth, 
the Word of divine grace, the Word of our salvation, (James 1,) 
the all-conquering Word, against which the gates of hell shall 
never prevail. (Matt. 16.) It is the two-edged sword which 
proceeded out of the mouth of the Lord, (Rev. 1,) — the sword 
of the spirit by which all living upon the earth are to be 
judged. (Eph. 6.) 

Oh ye beloved sirs, put your swords into the sheath ; for as 
true as the Lord lives, you do not fight against flesh and blood, 
but against him who has eyes like a flame of fire ; (Rev. 1 ;) 
who dispenses justice, and makes war in righteousness : who 
is crowned with many crowns, whose name no one knows 
but himself, who is clothed with a vesture dipped in blood ; 
whose name is called the Woed of God ; who rules the nations 
with a rod of iron ; who treads the wine-press of the fierce 
wrath of Almighty God ; who has a name written upon liis ves- 
ture and on his thigh, THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD 
OF LORDS. (Rev. 19.) 

Oh ye high renowned lords and princes, it is against this 
Being you are contending and taking such a stand with your 
counsel and sword. Remember what the great prophet (Zach. 
2) said concerning the children of God, who are suffering here : 
He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye. It is a 
dreadful abomination, mad wickedness, and insanity, so mise- 
rably to slay, to destroy and exterminate those who with such 
warm hearts, seek the Lord and eternal life, and who would not 
molest anyone upon earth. The death of the righteous, saith 
David, (Ps. 16,) is precious in the sight of the Lord. It is 
Jesus of Nazareth whom ye persecute, (Acts 9,) and not us, 



SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 31 

Therefore waken, desist, fear God and Iris word, for you and 
we will all be summoned to appear before one Judge, before 
whom all are on a level — there is no distinction there ; neither 
power, exaltation, fair speeches, nor talents will there avail. 
Judgment is there passed impartially and without respect to 
persons — and there the oppressed will have justice done him, 
and then the murdered Jesus, with all his elect will enter into 
his promised inheritance — his kingdom and glory, and be beyond 
the power of death, and the reach of tyrant's cruel hands. See- 
ing then, that you deal so unjustly and tyrannically, according 
to the evil intentions of your wicked hearts, without the sanc- 
tion of scripture, with the helpless and godly, how can you 
expect any favor and mercy in the day of the Lord, when we 
will all have to stand before the impartial judgment seat; 
where every one will receive according to his deeds. (James 
1; Eom. 14; 2 Cor. 5,) 

We desire not this favor as the evil doers of this world ; for 
we have not sinned in our doctrine, faith and practice, although 
we have to suffer so much, but we, only with the word of the 
Lord, as the scriptures direct us, resist anti-christian doctrines, 
ordinances, and evil courses of life. We resist neither the 
emperor, nor the king, nor any authority to which they are 
called of God, but we are ready to obey till death, in all things 
not contrary to God and his word. (Matt. 17, 22 ; Rom. 13 ; 
Tit. 3; Pet. 1.) And we very well know what the scriptures 
teach and command us, concerning this. But we desire so 
much mercy as that we may, under your gracious protection, 
teach, act and serve the Lord, according to the dictates of our 
consciences, so that to you and many with you, the gospel of 
Christ may be rightly preached, and the gate of life opened. 
Alas ! had only the learned the word of God, and not we, how 
gladly would we be taught by them. But since we have it, 
and they not, we therefore pray, for Jesus' sake, do not urge us 
to leave Christ, and join Antichrist! to go from truth to error — 
from life to certain death. (Wisd. 6.) 

Oh, ye high renowned lords and princes, who are appointed 
by God, to be heads and rulers of the people, consider well and 
believe the word of the Lord : for if you will not desist from 
unrighteousness, and fear God and do right, it would be better 
for you if you had never been born. The innocent blood of 
Abel calls unto heaven, (Gen. 4) and will be demanded at your 
hands at the last day. Again we say, awake, fear God's word ; 
for God the Lord himself, will rule in heaven, his kingdom, and 
in the thoughts and consciences of men. (Isa. 14.) He will 
permit none to detract from his glory, or attempt to become 
exalted above him. Lucifer the fair angel of God, desired to 



32 SUPPLICATION TO THE MAGISTRACY. 

exalt himself to the Most High, but was cast down from hea- 
ven into the abyss of hell, and is retained in chains of darkness 
till the judgment of the last day. (Rev. 12 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; Jude 1.) 

Beloved sirs, receive it in love, and be not offended, for the 
truth must be made known. Your pride has arisen to heaven ; 
this you will find to be true if you look at Christ, and his 
word, his example and life. The Almighty and everlasting 
Father, through his eternal Wisdom, Jesus Christ, has given 
ordinances, and commands, in his kingdom, which is his church, 
about doctrines, sacrament, &c. But you, through the counsel 
and instigation of the learned, have changed these, and resorted 
to persecution and extermination, by your inhuman mandates, 
as if the almighty and everlasting Word, were to yield to your 
authority ; and as if the divine ordinances of the Son of Cod, 
might be improved into a more suitable form, and made to 
answer a better purpose, through the wisdom of men. Oh 
presumption of presumption ! oh madness of all madness — why 
exalt thyself, earth and dust ! Acknowledge Christ Jesus 
as your chief Lord, who, of God, is made to you a Prince and a 
Judge. (Eccl. 10.) The heavens are the Lord's, saith David, 
but the earth he gave to the children of men. (Eph. l;Col. 
2.) If any one were to rise up against the earthly emperor or 
king, and enter upon the kingdom and government, he would 
not be borne patiently, nor go unpunished ; much less will it be 
left unpunished, when an army of earthly flesh rises against the 
emperor and king, Christ Jesus, to dethrone him from the seat 
of his divine majesty, and to rob him of his sceptre and his 
crown, as though Christ, the eternal Wisdom of God, were 
unreasonable and unfit for the heavenly government. Reflect 
what befel the haughty and proud hearts who were for erecting 
their seats near the throne of God. 

Therefore humble yourselves under the Almighty hand of 
God, as Peter teaches, (1 Pet. 5) and take the prosperous, great 
king, Nebuchadnezzar, as an example, (Dan. 3, 4;) and 
observe how grievously he was punished by God, on account of 
his pride ; and how, after being punished, he turned his heart to 
wisdom, and feared the Almighty ; he praised his works and 
adorable name. 

Beloved, awaken and mend your ways, for it does not become 
the creature to rise up against the Creator. Christ will himself 
be the head of his church — the only teacher in his school — the 
only king who will judge his kingdom — not with the docirines 
and commands of men, nor with slaying and murdering, but 
with his holy spirit, his power, his grace, and his word. 

Therefore, we pray you, you great ones of the earth, 
whom we, through the mercy of God, acknowledge in all tern- 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 33 

poral things before our gracious Lord, that you would not 
grieve the eternal Almighty king, Christ Jesus, who has been 
ordained by his Father as the only Lord and Saviour of our 
indigent souls ; and that you perform the duties of your office 
in temporal government, to which you have been called. We 
do with all our hearts, desire to render Csesar, the things of 
Caesar, and to God, the things that are Gods. (Matt. 22.) 
Be pleased to consider well, this, our doctrine and instruction, 
concerning baptism, and the Lord's supper, and the shunning 
of Babylonian deeds; and compare it with the word of the 
Lord. We hope, through the grace of God, you will find in 
truth that we believe and teach nothing else, than what the 
true oracle of the Lord has commanded us, and his holy apos- 
tles have testified. To this end, may the great Lord grant you 
his grace. Amen. 



CONCERNING BAPTISM, 

Christ, after his resurrection, commanded his apostles saying, 
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; 
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com- 
manded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end 
of the world. (Matt. 28.) 

Here we have the Lord's command concerning baptism, when 
and how it shall be administered after God's ordinance ; namely 
that the gospel must first be preached and then those bap- 
tized who believe therein. Christ says, " Go ye into all the 
world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that 
believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that belie veth 
not, shall be damned." (Mark 16.) Thus hath the Lord 
commanded and ordered, therefore, let nothing else be 
taught or practised forever. (1 Cor. 3.) God's word abides 
forever. (Isa. 40; 1 Pet. 1.) Young children are with- 
out understanding and cannot be taught, therefore, no 
baptism can be administered to them, without perverting the 
ordinance of the Lord, misusing his high name, and doing vio- 
lence to his holy word. In the 'New Testament there are no 
ceremonies commanded children, for it treats, both in doctrines 
and sacraments, with those who have ears to hear and hearts 
to understand. (Matt. 13 ; Mark 4 ; Luke 8.) \ 

As Christ commanded, so the holy apostles taught and prac- 
tised, as may de perceived in many parts of the New Testa- 



34 CONCERNING BAPTISM. 

ment. Thus Peter said, Eepent and be baptized in the name 
of Christ for the forgiveness of sins, so shall ye receive the 
gift of the holy ghost. Again, Philip said to the Eunuch, "If 
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest be baptized." 
(Acts 8.) Here faith followed not baptism, but baptism fol- 
lowed faith. (Matt. 28 ; Mark 16 ; Eph. 5 ; Heh. 6.) 

Thus has Christ commanded baptism, and received it him- 
self, according to the following manner : — when the time had 
come, and the hour had approached, in which he was to exe- 
cute his enjoined commission, to preach the word, and make 
known his Father's holy name, he went to John, to the Jordan 
and was baptized by him, that he might fulfil all righteousness. 
He prepared himself to meet temptation, misery, the cross and 
death. And as a willing, obedient child, he resigned himself to 
his father's will ; he himself said, that he did not come to do his 
will, but the will of him that sent Him. (John 6.) He was 
baptized by John, attested to by the Holy Ghost, and acknow- 
ledged by the Father, as a beloved son. (Matt. 3.) 

Behold, thus Christ commands, and was himself baptized ; 
and thus the apostles taught and practised. Who will rise up 
against the Lord, and say, it shall not be so ? Who will teach 
and instruct Wisdom ? Who will charge the apostles and evan- 
gelists with falsehood ? It would be altogether unbecoming 
for a child to command and judge his father, or a servant his 
master , and it is much more improper for the creature to 
oppose the Creator. But now it is manifest that the world 
with its unprofitable doctrines and commandments of men — 
with its anti-christian customs, long-standing usages, its tyran- 
nical, murdering sword, judges over Christ and his word. 
Christ's truths are esteemed lies; his wisdom, foolishness ; his 
light, darkness ; and his gospel, perverted and false. In short, 
Christ must be silent and suffer. 

Now it may probably be said, that a command of this kind 
was necessary in the beginning of the gospel, for at that time 
there were no believers whose children might be baptized. 
But if the parents are believers, their children then are also 
baptized, even as Abraham, when he believed, circumcised 
hischildren. (Gen. 17.) Oh no ! this does not follow. Although 
Abraham believed God, only one half of his seed was circum- 
cised, namely, the male children, and not the females, though 
he was the father of the female* as well as the male children : of 
which, in the replication, by the grace of God, more shall be 
said. 

In the beginning the gospel was to be preached, and faith 
followed hearing, and baptism followed faith ; this is incontro- 
vertible, for so the scriptures teach. (Rom. 10 ; Mark 16., 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 35 

That believers' children should be baptized because Abraham's 
children were circumcised (Gen. 14,) cannot be supported by 
scripture; but if it could be established, though it cannot, but 
few, would then be baptized, for the number of true believers, 
it is to be lamented, is very small. They are not all christians 
who are so called. But those only who have the spirit of 
Christ, are true christians ; and I know not where many are 
to be found. Yea, all who with Abel bring an acceptable offer- 
ing ; those who are born with Isaac of the free woman, and with 
Jacob, have the birth-right, and have obtained the paternal 
blessing, must be slain by Cain, mocked by Ishmael, and hated 
by Esau, (Gen. 25, 27 ; John 3 ; Gal. 4.) even as we hear and 
see on all sides — may God effect a change for the better, 

This is the word and will of the Lord, that all who hear and 
believe, be baptized, (as above stated) in order to profess their 
faith, and declare that they will henceforth not live according 
to their own will, but according to the will of God, (2 Cor. 6.) 
That for the testimony of Jesus they are ready to forsake their 
lives and property, and to suffer hunger, affliction, persecution, 
the cross and death ; yea, they desire to subdue the flesh with 
its lusts, and arise with Christ, even as Paul says, know ye that 
all who are baptized with Christ are baptized unto his death. 
(Col. 2 ) We are buried with him, by baptism, into death ; 
that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead, by the power 
of the father, even so we also should walk in newness of 
life. (Rom. 6.) 

Beloved reader, take heed to the word of the Lord, for this 
also Paul teaches, (Gal. 1,) who received not his gospel of men, 
but of the Lord Jesus Christ himself; Even as Christ died and 
was buried, so also ought we to die unto our sins, and be buried 
with Christ in baptism ; we are not to do this after we have 
been baptized, but we must commence the work beforehand. 
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his 
death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection : 
knowing this that our old man is crucified with him, that the 
body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not 
serve sin. For he that is" dead, is freed from sin. Now if we 
be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with 
him. — Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth 
no more ; death hath no more dominion over him ; for in that 
he died, he died unto sin once ; but in that he liveth, he liveth 
unto God. (Pom. 6.) 

Think not, that by dying unto sin, we teach that christians 
are to become insensible to sin. By no means ; but they die 
so unto sin as to be no longer under its dominion ; thus Paul 
says ; Let not sin reign in your mortal bodies, &c. John says who- 



36 CONCERNING BAPTISM. 

soever is born of God, doth not commit sin ; for his seed remain- 
eth in him ; and he cannot sin because he is born of God. (1 
John 3, 5.) 

Even so, the death of the Lord would not have profited us, 
had he not risen from the power of death to the praise of his 
Father. Neither would it avail us anything to bury our sins in 
baptism, if we do not arise with Christ Jesus, from the power 
of sin, unto a new life, to the praise of the Lord. That Christ 
died, he died once unto sin, says Paul, but that he lives unto 
God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed 
unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
For as ye have yielded your members servants unto uncleanness, 
and to iniquity, unto iniquity; even so, now yield your members 
servants unto righteousness and true holiness, and the end is 
everlasting life. (Bom. 6.) 

Here observe, sensible reader ; you who desire to know the 
truth, and seek your soul's salvation, what the great and holy 
apostle Paul has taught you here. If you believe his word, doc- 
trine and testimony to be true, you will readily perceive, from 
these instructions, and from many other passages in scripture, 
that baptism is no more serviceable to children, than circumci- 
sion was for the Israelite females. We are no more to baptize 
children than Israel was to circumcise female children. And 
it is impossible for little children to die to sin so long as they 
have not been alive to it; and they cannot rise to a new life, as 
long as they are not born of God through faith, and by the 
spirit of God led into righteousness ; and therefore beware, for 
the intent of baptism, is to bur} 7 sin and to rise with Christ into 
a new life, which can, by no means, be the case with young 
children, therefore look well, into the matter, what the word of 
the Lord teaches you, on this subject. 

Again, Paul calls baptism the washing of regeneration. Oh, 
dear Lord, how lamentably thy holy word is abused. Is it not 
lamentable, that men are attempting, notwithstanding these 
plain passages,to maintain infant baptism, and pretend that infants 
are regenerated thereby, as if regeneration were effected by 
simple immersion into water. Oh no, regeneration is not a work 
of such hypocrisy, but is an inward change, which converts a 
man, by the power of God — the working of faith, from evil to 
good, from lusts to spirtuality, from unrighteousness to right- 
eousness, out of Adam into Christ ; this can by no means take 
place with little children. The regenerated live by the power 
of the new principle, they mortify the flesh, with its evil lusts ; 
they put off the old man with his deeds; they avoid every ap- 
pearance of evil ; they are taught, governed and influenced by 
the Holy Ghost, &c. (Hab. 2 ; Rom. 1.) This is true regenera- 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 37 

tion, and its fruits of which the scriptures speak ; it comes by 
faith in the word of God (1 Pet. 1 ; 1 Cor. 4 ; James 1,) without 
which no one can be saved, who has arrived to the years of 
understanding ; for Christ says, verily, verily, I say unto you, 
except a man be born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of 
God (John 3.) Yea, it is all in vain, if one were baptized by 
Peter or Paul, or Christ, himself, if he be not baptized from 
above with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Matt. 3 ; Luke 3 ; 2 
Cor. 5.) Paul says, in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor 
uncircumcision avail eth any thing, but a new creature. All who 
are thus born of God, are changed and renewed in the inner man 
— translated from Adam into Christ, and are ready to obey the 
word of the Lord, and say with holy Paul : Lord what wilt 
thou that we should do ? Such deny themselves with all their 
minds and hearts — they submit themselves to the word and 
ordinances of the Lord, without dislike or gain-saying. They 
suffer themselves to be baptized according to the commands of 
the Lord. (Matt. 23 ; Mark 16.) They manifest themselves to 
be fruitful branches of Christ the vine, and joint heirs of the 
community of the Lord. (John 15 ; 1 Cor. 12.) They receive 
the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
(Acts 2.) They put on Christ, (Gal. 3,) and enter the ark of 
safety, and are secured from the dreadful flood of wrath which 
will come upon the world. (1 Pet. 3.) This is not effected by 
the power of the water or the sign, but by the power of the 
divine word, received through faith ; for where there is no faith, 
which, through love worketh obedience, (we again speak of 
those who have arrived at years of understanding,) there is no 
promise. He that believeth not the son, will not see life, but 
the wrath of God abideth upon him. (Gal. 5 ; John 3.) 

The Lord commanded Moses, (Ex. 14,) that he should stretch 
forth his hand with a rod and smite the sea, and the waters 
would divide. Moses believed the Lord's word ; he stretched 
forth his hand, and smote the sea with his rod, and the waters 
divided and Israel was redeemed ; this was not effected by the 
rod or the stroke, but the power of divine word, received by 
Moses through a lively and sincere faith. (Exod. 14.) Had Moses 
not believed God's word, and through disobedience not smote 
the water, undoubtedly oppressed Israel would have fared ill. 
He also received a command in the wilderness, to erect a brazen 
serpent,? so that when Israel looked thereon, they might be 
healed of the bite of a serpent, (Wisd. 16,) not through the 
power of the image of the serpent, but by the power of the 
divine word received by them. (Num. 21.) In the same manner 
salvation is ascribed to scriptural baptism, (Mark 16,) the 
forgiveness of sins, (Acts 2,) the putting on of Christ, (Gal. 3,) 

4 



38 CONCERNING BAPTISM. 

incorporating into the church, (1 Cor. 12,) not on account of the 
water, orthe administered sign, (else the kingdom of God would 
depend upon the elements and the signs) but on account of the 
power and truth of the divine promise, which we receive in obe- 
dience through faith. Those who trust to words, elements and 
works, make with Aaron, a golden calf and suffer the people to 
commit idolatry and abominations therewith; for, in Christ, 
faith alone avails which is effectual in love, (Gal, 5,) which is 
manifested in the new creature, and in the keeping of the com- 
mands of God. (1 Cor. 7.) 

Ye beloved sirs, friends, and brethern, awaken and delay not, 
render the Most High his praise and honor, and give ear to his 
word, for those who maintain that the baptism of ignorant 
children is a baptism of regeneration, do violence to the word of 
God; they gainsay the Holy Ghost ; they make Christ to falsify, 
and his holy apostles to be false witnesses, for Christ and his 
apostles taught that regeneration is wrought through faith and 
the word of God, (John 1, 3,) which word is not to be taught 
to those who are naturally unable to hear or understand, but 
to the hearing and rational — this is incontrovertible, (Matt. 13 ; 
Mark, 4; Luke 8.) 

The Holy apostle Peter explains the same, and says, that 
baptism saves us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, 
but the answer of a good conscience towards God ; (or the cove- 
nant of a good conscience towards God) by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ, (1 Pet. 3.) 

Here Peter teaches us how the inner baptism saves us, by which 
the inner man is washed, and not the outward baptism by which 
the flesh is washed ; for only this inward baptism, as before said, 
is of value in the sight of God, while the outward baptism fol- 
lows only as an evidence of obedience, which is of faith ; for 
could outward baptism save without the inner washing, the 
whole scriptures which speak of the new man, would be spoken 
and written to no purpose, the kingdom of heaven would be 
bound to elemental water ; the blood of Christ would be shed 
in vain, for none who is baptized would be lost. no, no ! Out- 
ward baptism profit nothing, as long as we are not inwardly re- 
newed, regenerated, and baptized by God, with the heavenly 
fire and the Holy Ghost. But if we are baptized with the bap- 
tism from above, we will be constrained through the spirit and 
word of God, by a good conscience, which we have thereby, 
to cordially believe in the merits of the death of the Lord and 
in the power and benefits of his resurrection ; and henceforth, 
because we are inwardly cleansed by faith, and endued with 
spiritual strength, we obediently covenant with the Lord, 
(through the outward sign of baptism, which is enjoined on all 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 39 

the believers in Christ,) even as the Lord has covenanted with 
us in his grace, through his word, that we will no longer live 
according to the evil, unclean lusts of the flesh, but walk ac- 
cording to the witness of a good conscience. 

And though these words of Peter are very plain, still the 
learned are not ashamed to wrest them into a foreign significa- 
tion, by means of their plausible comments and highly boasted 
reason. They do this, that they may enjoy the favor of the 
world ; and live at ease, without affliction or persecution. They 
teach that baptism is a sign of grace, which according to our 
limited understanding, can in no wise be established. Our sign 
of grace is Christ Jesus alone, through whom God's abundant 
love is freely dispensed and declared unto us, (John 3, 4 ; Rom. 
8.) By signs he was gloriously prefigured to the ancient patri- 
archs, as by the coats of skin, to Adam and Eve ; by the rainbow 
to Noah, (Gen. 3, 9) by circumcision to Abraham ; (Gen. 17,) by 
which sign they were assured of the divine covenant. But we 
are only assured by God, of divine grace and peace, through 
one sign, which is Christ; the seal in our conscience is the Holy 
Ghost, (Eph. 4,) But baptism is a sign oiobedience, commanded 
by Christ, by which we testify, when we receive it, that we be- 
lieve the word of the Lord, that we are sorry for our former 
life and conduct, (Gal. 4; Rom. 8 ; Mark 15,) that we desire to 
rise with Christ in a new life ; and that we believe in the re- 
demption from sin through Jesus Christ, (Rom. 6; Col. 2 ; Acts 
2.) Not, my beloved, that we believe in the remission of sins 
through baptism : — by no means ; because, by baptism we can- 
not .obtain faith and repentance, neither do we receive the for- 
giveness of sins, nor peace, nor liberty of conscience, but we 
testify thereby, that we have repented, received pardon and 
faith in Christ, as before said. But with the fathers it was not 
thus, for they, through the signs, received assurance and com- 
fort, that the promise would be true and sure. We have this 
assurance in Christ alone, in whom all the figurative signs were 
completed. We have it in the only true sign, Christ, but the 
fathers had it in many figurative signs. In short, had we 
forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience, through outward 
ceremonies, and elements, then the reality would be superceded 
and its merits made of no effect. 

Behold, this is the true basis of baptism which the scriptures 
maintain, and we teach or practise none other, though all the 
gates of hell exert themselves and become indignant thereat ; 
for we know it is the revealed word of the Lord, and his divine 
ordinance, from which we dare not take away, nor add thereto, 
lest we be found disobedient and false before God, who alone is 
the Lord and God of our consciences, for the word of the Lord 



40 CONCERNING BAPTISM. 

is pure, lie is a shield to them who put their trust in him. (Prov. 
30, 5.) 

Oh God, what are the learned and highly learned masters of 
this world doing, who are so earnestly engaged in derogating 
from God's word and wisdom, and ingeniously urging their own 
vain reason ; but they will not prosper ; God will not give his 
honor to another, for he is the Lord, and there is none beside 
him. (Isa. 42.) Conquering, he will conquer them. He will turn 
their wisdom to folly and their reason to disgrace, for he knows 
that the thoughts of the wise are vain. (1 Cor. 3 ; Ps. 93.) 

Luther writes : that children should be baptized on account 
of their own faith, and adds, "If children had no faith, then 
their baptism would be blaspheming the sacrament," &c. It 
appears to me, to be a great error in this learned man, through 
whose writings at first the Lord effected much good, that he 
maintained that ignorant, irrational children had faith, while the 
scriptures teach so plainly, that they know not good from evil, 
(Deut, 1.) Yea, they cannot discern their right hand from their 
left, ( Jona. 4.) He saith that faith is dormant and concealed 
in children, till they arrive at the age of understanding. If 
Luther writes this as his sincere opinion, he writes much in 
vain concerning faith and its power, but if he writes to please 
men, may God have mercy upon him, for we know of a truth it 
is only human reason and the invention of men, but it shall not 
make void the word and ordinance of the Lord. For we do not 
read in scripture tha't the apostles baptized a single sleeping 
believer. — They baptized those who were awake, and not the 
slumbering. Why then should children be baptized before.they 
awaken from their dormant faith, or even before the possession 
of such faith is known to them ? 

Bucer does not thus support the doctrine, but he maintains 
infant baptism differently, namely : not that children have faith, 
but that they, by baptism may be added to the church of the 
Lord, and instructed in his word.. He admits that infant bap- 
tism is not expressly commanded, and he is correct in this. O 
Lord ! how lamentably they do err, who court the favor and 
honor of men, and seek not the favor and honor of God. Since 
infant baptism is not expressly commanded by God, as he ac- 
knowledges, it cannot be acceptable to the Lord, Et per conse- 
quence, i. e. and by consequence, no promise can follow. There- 
fore, the reader should know, that true christians ought not to 
be governed in this matter, by the opinions and traditions of 
men, but by the word and the ordinances of God. For we have 
but one Lord and master of our conscience, Christ Jesus, whose 
word, will, command and ordinance, we, as his willing disciples, 
are implicitly to follow, even as the bride rejoices greatly to 
hear the bridegroom's voice. (John 3.) 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 41 

Since we have not a single command in the scriptures, that 
infants are to be baptized, or that the apostle did practice it ; we 
modestly confess, with a clear conscience, that infant baptism 
is but human sentiment ; a capricious notion ; a perversion of 
the ordinance of Christ ; a manifest abomination, standing in 
the holy place, where it ought properly, not to be. (Matt. 24 ; 
Dan, 9.) 

Beloved sirs, how little the word of the Lord is regarded, 
which says : What thing soever I command you, observe to do 
it : thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. (Deut. 12.) 
Did not the Father' testify from heaven and declare, This is my 
beloved son, in whom I am well pleased ; him ye shall hear ? 
(Matt. 3, 17; Mark 9; Matt. 28.) Does not scripture direct 
us to Christ? Are we not baptized in his name that we should 
hear his voice ; and be obedient to his word ? Do you not boast 
to be the apostolic church ? Why do you then depart from 
Christ and adhere to anti-christ — depart from the apostolic 
doctrine and usages, and maintain the usages of the learned ? 
Do observe how severely and often God punished the opinions 
which men held concerning holy works, and divine worship. 

Nadab and Abihu died when offering strange fire before the 
Lord. Saul had mercy on Agag, the king of the Amelekites, 
and he spared the best sheep and oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord, 
contrary to the word of the prophet. That seemingly act of 
mercy and laudable zeal was punished as the sin of witchcraft 
and the iniquity of idolatry, because he acted according to his 
own judgment, and not according to the word of the prophet. 
He was reproved by the prophet — smitten with a pestilence — 
his kingdom was taken from him, and given to a more faithful 
one. (1 Sam. 13.) 

Manaseh, the king of the Jews, and others in Israel, made 
their children pass through fire — they built temples, and reared 
altars in many groves, cities and countries, with good intentions 
(2 Kings, 21.) For they were desirous to honor the Almighty 
thereby, as may be plainly seen from Isa. 36. This glorious 
and holy choice was so offensive before God, that Jeremiah re- 
fused to intercede for the people. Israel was desolated, Jer- 
usalem and the temple burnt; and the 'people with the holy 
vessels were carried into a foreign land, (2 Kings, 15 ; 2 Chron. 
36.) Therefore, saith God by the prophet : Obey my voice, and 
I will be your God, and ye shall be my people ; and walk ye in all 
the ways that I have commanded you, not those of your own 
choice, that it may be well with you. (Jer. 7.) 

What advice then, my beloved friends, in relation to such wil- 
ful deceivers, who presumptuously do violence to the word of 
the Lord, and so shamefully belie the Almighty, the most high 

4* 



42 CONCERNING BAPTISM. 

God, in teaching that their doctrines are in the word of God ? 
Teaching such things that He never did, or will command. 

How awful it is thus to sin against God, to pervert his holy and 
precious word ! Yea, they will be sorely beaten and severely 
punished of the Lord — they will not escape the ire of his wrath, 
if they do not repent and reform ; for God is an enemy to all 
liars. They have neither part nor lot in his kingdom ; but 
their portion is eternal destruction, in the lake of fire. (2 Thes. 
2j Kev. 21, 22.) 

In the second place, it is evident, that infant baptism is an ac- 
cursed abomination and idolatry; for all those who are baptized 
in infancy, are called christians and are accounted partakers of 
the Lord's grace, merits, death and blood, and are called his 
people, although the whole course of their lives, is heathenish 
and dissolute, nay, idle, carousing, drinking, gaming, whoring, 
cursing and swearing are their works — they believe that the 
water in baptism can make and preserve them christians. no ! 
no ! Paul positively declares : He that hath not the spirit of 
Christ, is none of his. (Rom. 8.) Yea, the helpless, innocent 
children, though baptized with the blood of the Lord, and having 
the sure promise of the kingdom of God, if not baptized, by this 
baptism, are buried without the grave yard as accursed. What 
infamy ! — what blindness ! We will say nothing of godfathers, 
of crossing the children, breathing upon them, sprinkling with 
salt water, annointing ; and spitting upon them, and that abom- 
inable exorcism, all which is nothing else than open blasphemy, 
and not commanded by God. What abominable, detestable 
idolatry ! 

In the third place, we are informed by historians, ancient, and 
modern, (Matt. 28; Mark 16,) and we also learn from several 
decrees, that baptism was changed both as to its mode and time 
of administering. In the beginning of the holy church, persons 
were baptized in common water on their first profession, on ac- 
count of their own faith, agreeable to scripture. Afterwards a 
change was made ; they were examined seven times before being 
baptized — After that, they were baptized at two stated periods, 
namely ; at Easter and Whitsuntide. Higinius, the tenth pope, 
instituted godfathers, in the year A. D. 146. Luther tells us, 
that in the year A. D. 407, Pope Innocent confirmed infant 
baptism by a decree, and it is to be feared, that it will not be 
abrogated but at the expense of much innocent blood, of the 
saints of God ; even as the prophets, in their days reproved the 
accursed abominations and idolatry of the kings, priests and 
people, not by admonition only, but also, with their blood, as we 
read in sacred and profane history. 

If infant baptism was commanded of God, why did Innocent 



CONCERNING BAPTISM. 43 

• 

add his decree ? How can baptism as practised, by the world, 
be right, since it has been so frequently changed ? We entreat 
you, for Jesus' sake, to reflect, that Christ Jesus, but not the 
learned, is King and Lord of his community, he rules his church 
with his sceptre, spirit and word. He is Wisdom, and none 
can instruct him ; he appeared to testify the truth ; they that love 
the truth, hear his voice, (Matt. 11 ; Eccl. 24, Rom. 11 ; John 19 ;) 
believe his word and not that of the learned ; for his word is truth ; 
but the word of the learned, in this respect, is seduction ; for Christ 
commands that believers should be baptized. He has not com- 
manded that children should be baptized. But the learned say : 
He that has his children not baptized, (and is himself baptized 
upon his faith, even as Christ commanded) is a fanatic, ana-bap- 
tist and heretic. 

Now you know the principal reasons why we are opposed both 
in word and doctrine, to infant baptism, and resist it with all 
our powers. For we well know, by the grace of God, that there 
is not one word in the scriptures in its support. — We tell you 
the truth and lie not. Is there one under the canopy of heaven 
who can show us, by divine truth, that Jesus Christ, the son of 
Almighty God, the Eternal Wisdom and Truth, the lawgiver 
and teacher of the New Testament, has given a single command 
that children should be baptized ; or that his holy apostles ever 
so taught, or practised. If they did not, why urge us to such 
a ceremony, by tyranny and punishment ? Show it to us in the 
word of God, and the difficulty is removed. For God, who is 
omniscient, knows, that in our weakness, we humbly seek to 
walk according to the divine ordinances, word and will, for 
which, we miserable men, are shamefully reviled, dispersed, 
robbed and slain, in many countries, like innocent sheep. But 
the Lord be eternally praised ! We are esteemed as unworthy 
of heaven or earth, even as Christ said : They shall deliver you 
up to be afflicted, and shall kill you ; ye shall be hated of all 
nations for my name's sake. (Matt. 24.) 

It is our determination, that we will not only have a clear 
conscience in this matter, but we will, in everything else, to 
escape the wrath of Almighty God, be not influenced by lords and 
princes, or be governed by doctors and teachers, neither by the 
councils of the fathers, and long established customs ; for in this 
matter, nothing contrary to the word of God, neither emperors 
nor kings, nor doctors, nor licentiates, nor councils nor proscrip- 
tion shall stand. We dare not be bound to any person, power, 
wisdom and place, but we must be governed alone, by the ex- 
pressed and positive commands of Christ, and adhere, as said, 
to the pure doctrines and usages of his holy apostles ; for if we 
do so, we neither deceive any one, nor are we deceived. Alas ! 



44 COUNTER ARGUMENTS 

woe to him, woe to him, who departs from this foundation, 
or is compelled to do so, either through bodily fear or care, 
or tyranny, or by false doctrine ; and will not testify unto this 
wicked and sinful generation, both in word and deed, of the 
word of his Lord. (Matt. 10, 16, 24 ; Mark 8; Luke 9.) 

All of you who reject the word of God and persecute his peo- 
ple, take particular notice of this our doctrine, ground and belief 
concerning baptism, which are in accordance with the instruc- 
tions and words of Christ, viz. : that we must first hear and believe 
the word of God, and then be baptized ; we are not seditious and 
for war ; we do not approve polygamy ; we neither seek nor wait 
for any kingdom upon earth ; O no ! no ! God be praised, we 
know what the word of the Lord teaches us on this subject. 
(Matt. 28 ; Mark 16.) The Lord commanded us to die to sin, 
to bury them with Christ, and to rise with him into a new life, 
(Rom. 6 ; Col. 2,) even, as baptism is a figure thereof. That we 
numbly strive to walk in the covenant of his grace, and his 
eternal peace, and live upright and humble in Christ Jesus, with 
an approved conscience before God, (1 Pet. 3.) even as the mouth 
of the Lord has commanded, as he has testified by his example, 
as we are taught by the pure doctrines and practices of the 
apostles. 



COUNTER ARGUMENTS WITH THEIR 
REPLICATIONS. 

Having briefly noticed the Lord's command and the apostolic 
doctrine and usages concerning baptism, and its design ; that it 
is the true, and will be the true baptism to the end of time ; we 
will, therefore, now call your attention, by the grace of God, to 
another part of the same subject ; and answer some of the ar- 
guments which have been adduced by the learned from scrip- 
ture, in support of their doctrine, whereby they perverted and 
made void the ordinance of the Lord, and substituted their 
own. 

In the first place, they teach, that we are all sinful, and the chil- 
dren of wrath, born of the sinful seed of Adam, and therefore, 
say they, children are to be baptized, in order to be purified and 
washed from original sin, &c. 

To which we reply, thus, with the word of the Lord : We 
believe and confess that we all come from, and are born of un- 
clean sin ; that we through the first Adam, became wholly de- 
praved, and children of death and of hell. (Kom. 5 ; 1 Cor. 15.) 
Nevertheless, as we fell, and became sinners in Adam, we also 



WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. 45 

confess and believe that we were restored by. grace and justi- 
fied through Christ, the heavenly Adam ; for he appeared upon 
earth, that in and through him we might have life. Through 
him we glory to have obtained grace, favor and the forgiveness 
of our sins with God our heavenly Father ; and not through 
baptism, whether we are children or believers ; for if redemp- 
tion, and the washing away of sins, were through baptism and 
not by the blood of Christ, alone, then would the sweet smelling 
sacrifice, which is of eternal worth, have been in vain, and with- 
out effect, or, there would be two remedies for our sins. Alas, 
no ! the scriptures speak but of one, which is Christ with his 
merits, death and blood. (1 Pet. 1; John ; Acts 2.) Therefore, 
he who seeks the remission of his sins through baptism, rejects 
the blood of the Lord and makes water his idol. Therefore, let 
every one be careful lest he ascribe the honor and glory due to 
Christ, to the ceremonies and the elements. 

It is true, Peter says : (Acts 2.) Kepent and be baptized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission 
of sins, &c. But this is not to be understood, that we receive 
the remission of our sins through baptism. no ! for if it be 
so, then Christ and his merits must fall. We receive the re- 
mission of our sins, in baptism, in this manner : The Lord com- 
manded his gospel to be preached to every creature, so that 
all who believe and are baptized, may be saved. Where there 
is faith, which is called the gift of God, by Paul, (Eph. 1.) there 
also are the power and the fruits of faith. Where there is an 
active, fruitful faith, there also is the promise ; but where such 
a faith does not exist, (we speak of adults,) there also is no 
promise. For he that hears the word of the Lord, and believes 
it with all his heart, manifests his fruit, he observes all things 
the Lord commanded him ; for the scriptures teach, the just 
shall live by faith. (Heb. 1 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3 ; Heb. 10.) Then 
the remission of his sins is preached to him, as Peter teaches. 

Had Noah and Lot not believed the word of the Lord, they 
would have fared ill. (Gen. 6, 7, 8, 17.) Had Abraham not be- 
lieved, he would not have obtained such glorious promises : but 
they believed, and did right, and became heirs of righteousness. 
(Heb. 11.) 

Had Moses and Israel not believed the word of the Lord and 
been obedient, how could they have been succored in the sea and 
in the wilderness ? But they believed, and according to His pro- 
mise, were protected by the mighty hand of the Lord. But 
those who provoked Him, and believed not his gracious word, 
and the great miracles, fell in the wilderness, and entered not 
the promised land. (Exod. 16 ; Num. 11, 14 ; Ps. 94 ; Heb. 3, 4.) 

There was also reconciliation connected with the sacrifices of 



46 COUNTER ARGUMENTS 

the Old Testament, not on account of the worth of the smoking 
offerings upon the altars ; for it was not possible, says Paul, 
that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin ; (Heb. 
10.) Before it was offered, it was all the Lord's, and the cat- 
tle upon a thousand hills, were his, says David. (Ps. 49.) But 
because the righteous believed the word of divine promise as 
true, and walked in obedience to his command. Thus now is 
the remission of sins preached through baptism; not on account 
of the water, or the ceremonies, for Christ is the only source 
of grace. Put, because the righteous receive the promises of 
the Lord by faith, and obediently follow his word and will. 

This direction does not extend to children. For in all the 
scriptures, there is not a single command given to baptize them. 
Therefore, it is not required of them as a sign of obedience. 
Since, then, infant baptism is performed without the command 
of God, it cannot be a ceremony of God, but a pernicious super- 
stition of men, and evidently idolatry ; therefore, the promise 
of God cannot be connected with such abominations. It seems 
to me, it is high time to awaken, and to give heed to the scrip- 
tures. Sins are not imputed for Christ's sake to infants. Life 
is promised, not through any one ceremony, but out of pure 
grace, in the promises of the Lord ; as he himself says : Suffer 
little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such 
is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 19 ; Mark 10 ; Luke 18.) But 
concerning baptism he did not command them any thing. Ac- 
cording to my opinion, it is a great error, (which some entertain,) 
that little children were pleasing to Christ on account of cir- 
cumcision ; and that ours on account of baptism, are also pleas- 
ing to him. blasphemy ! In every instance, Christ, the only 
medium of divine grace, must be set aside, and grace be attri- 
buted to the rites and elements. Here I would ask all the Pe- 
dobaptists, how they are going to prove that these blessed 
children were all circumcised — and that there were not among 
them female children ? Were they acceptable on account of 
circumcision, as they pretend, and why not adults, who were 
circumcised ? Although they were circumcised, he commanded 
that adults should be baptized upon their faith ; but concern- 
ing children, he did not command that they should at all be 
baptized. He took them into his arms, laid his hands upon 
them and blessed them ; promised them the kingdom, and 
dismissed them, but did not baptize them. 

Thus did the wisdom of God himself; but the world would 
be his teacher. Christ does not command that infants, but 
adults should be baptized. "What is more abominable, if any 
one is baptized on believing, because the Lord commanded him 
to do so ; and for conscience sake has not his children bap- 



WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. 47 

tized, because the word of God does~not command it, he must, 
alas, have reproachful epithets applied to him by every one ; 
and in addition, he may expect torture, misery and death. And 
this persecution is not to be attributed so much to the rulers, 
as to those who are esteemed learned, for what the rulers do, 
they do generally by the counsel of the learned. By their 
fruits, they show who is their father, for they do his works. It 
seems to me there ever were, and ever will be those, who, with 
false doctrines and hard hearts, shed the blood of the right- 
eous. (Matt. 23; Rev, 17, 18.) Alas! such persecution is so 
disgraceful, that it is almost a shame to mention it. Even as 
the sun shines before all the world, and of these inhuman, 
learned, against the Lord and his chosen. God grant that these 
blind, perverted, blood-thirsty teachers, with all their tyranny, 
may see and become tired of their false doctrine, and their shed- 
ding of innocent blood, Amen. 

In the second place, they teach that the children of Israel 
under the Old Testament, were initiated into the church and 
admitted into God's covenant through circumcision. But now, 
our children are admitted into church through baptism. In ac- 
cordance with scripture, we reply, no ! For whoever reads the 
scriptures understanding^, will clearly perceive, that Abraham 
was in covenant with the Lord, many years before he was cir- 
cumcised. And that the children were circumcised on the 
eighth day, although they had been in the covenant before. 
For it is evident, that we do not become the children of God 
through any outward rites, but through the paternal and gra- 
cious choice, through Christ Jesus. (Eph, 1.) But an outward 
sign was commanded Abraham as a seal of obedience and faith. 
And likewise of his seed, that they should circumcise the male 
children on the eighth day, no sooner nor later, and not the 
female children. (Gen. 17.) Had the covenant depended upon 
the sign, and not upon the grace, what would have become of 
the female children, and the males that died before the seventh 
day. 

Reader, give heed to the word of God. Although the women 
and female children were not circumcised, they had the promise 
in common, in the promised seed, the holy land, the kingdom and 
glory. They were no less the seed of Abraham and in the cove- 
nant, and the things signified by the circumcision, than the cir- 
cumcised men and male children. From which it is evident, 
that the children of Israel were not in the Lord's covenant, on 
account of circumcision, as Pedobaptists assert, but through the 
divine choice of grace. 

And even as Abraham and the children of Israel, — the female 
as well as the male children, were in the covenant through the 



48 COUNTER ARGUMENTS 

divine choice, so also are our children in the covenant of God, 
although not baptized. The word of Paul is incontrovertible : 
Who has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 
&c, and has ordained us His children by Jesus Christ. (Eph.l.) 

Again. Children are entitled to the kingdom of heaven, and 
are under the promise of the grace of God, through Christ ; as 
has been said ; and therefore we truly believe, that they are 
blessed, holy and pure, acceptable to God, are under the cove- 
nant, and in his church, not by any external sign ; for there is 
not a word in all the scriptures whereby to maintain, that chil- 
dren were admitted into the covenant, and incorporated with 
the church. Besides, it is very evident that they cannot be 
taught or admonished by word, or sacrament, long as they are 
without understanding. 

Therefore, are the signs not to be used for any other purpose 
than they were designed and commanded by the Lord. Since 
Christ has ordained and commanded to baptize believers ; and 
not said a word of infant baptism ; we believe and teach that 
the baptism of believers is of the word' of God, and infant 
baptism of the dragon and the beast. 

All the rites ordained of God, both of the Old and New Tes- 
tament, are ordained to exercise our faith and to show our obe- 
dience. Therefore, we are not to use them in such a way, and 
change them as we think proper ; but, we must use them as the 
Lord himself, has ordained and commanded, if we would escape 
being punished by the fierce wrath of God,, as were Nadab and 
Abihu. (Lev. 10.) 

Since Christ has commanded that believers should be bap- 
tized, and not infants, and the holy apostles taught thus, in ac- 
cordance with the instructions and commands of Christ, as may 
be seen in many places of the New Testament, all reasonable- 
minded men must admit, that infant baptism, although held by 
nearly the whole world, and maintained by tyranny, is nothing 
less than a ceremony of anti-christ, open blasphemy, an en- 
chanting sin, a molten calf, yea abomination and idolatry. 

We also know how they apply circumcision figuratively to 
allude to baptism, and adduce the saying of Paul, in proof 
thereof, (Col. 2, 11,) namely: In whom also ye are circumcised 
with the circumcision made without hands, &c. He that will at- 
tempt to prove, by this passage, that infant baptism is right, 
does violence to holy Paul, and perverts his testimony. For he 
does not teach that eternal circumcision is a figure of baptism, 
(Gen. 18 ; Jos. 5,) but alludes to inward circumcision, (Rom. 
2 ; Phil. 3 ; Coll. 2.) For even as actual circumcision of the 
foreskin was performed with a knife of stone, so also must our 
inbred and Adamic nature be cut off with that spiritual knife of 



WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. 49 

stone, done without hands.- The stone is Christ. (1 Cor. 10.) 
The knife is the word of God. (Heb. 4 ; Eph. 6.) It is with 
this circumcision that believers not children, are circumcised, 
as Paul evidently intends to teach by this scripture : Ye are 
circumcised with the circumcision ' made without hands, in 
putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision 
of Christ, buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen 
with him through the faith of the operation of God. It appears 
to me, that these words plainly show that Paul spoke not in re- 
lation to the baptism of children ; but in regard to inner cir- 
cumcision of the believers. Read also what we said above 
(Rom. 6.) 

In the third place, they say, that children are regenerated, 
put on Christ, and receive the Holy Ghost, in baptism. 

To which we reply : To be regenerated, to put on Christ, and 
to receive the Holy Ghost, are one and the same thing ; and 
according to its power, inseparable. Have you the one, you 
have the other also. But that does not at all concern children ; 
for regeneration takes place through faith, through the word of 
God, and is a change of heart, or of the inward man, as above 
said. To put on Christ, is to be transplanted, into Christ, and 
to be like-minded with him. To receive the Holy Ghost, is to 
be a partaker of his gifts and power, to be taught, assured and 
influenced by him, as the scriptures teach. This cannot take 
place with children ; for they have no ears to hear the word of 
the Lord, and no understanding to cumprehend it. Faith is by 
the hearing, of the word. 

Here it- may be asked, whether God is not powerful enough 
to work faith in children ; because John the baptist, yet unborn, 
leapt in his mother's womb for joy. (Luke 1.) 

We reply to this, that we are not speaking of the power of 
God ; he made aged and barren Sarah fruitful, (Gen. 18, 21,) 
and caused Balaam's ass to speak. (Num. 22.) But it does 
not follow that all old, barren women will become fruitful, and 
that all asses are to speak. Therefore, he does not all he 
could do ; but we speak of the scriptures, what they teach and 
command us concerning this matter. 

Because little children do not understand, therefore, they 
cannot believe, and because they do not believe, they cannot be 
born again. Reason teaches us that they cannot understand 
the word of God. That they do not believe and are not regene- 
rated, is evident from their actions. Be they baptized or not, 
their inbred nature is from their youth prone to evil. (Gen. 6, 8.) 
They know no difference between Christ and Satan ; between 
good and evil; between life and death. (Deut. 1; Jonah 4.) 
Whereby then shall we know their faith, regeneration, or that 

5 



50 COUNTER ARGUMENTS. 

they possess Christ and his Spirit? The regenerating word 
must first be heard and believed with a sincere heart, before 
regeneration, the putting on of Christ and the influences of the 
Holy Ghost, follow. 

Behold, thus we are taught by the word of the Lord. He 
that does, therefore, not desire the palatable bread of the divine 
word, upon which our souls have to live, may satisfy himself 
with husks, — we cannot forbid him. (Deut. 8 ; Matt. 4 ; Luke 
15.) I trust that the gracious Father will protect and preserve 
us, out of his great mercy, from their anti-christian doctrine's 
and Pharisaic leaven. 

In the fourth place, they say : that although children are not 
so washed from original sin in baptism, that there are no re- 
mains of it, still for the sake of baptism these shall not be 
imputed to them as sin. 

To which we reply : Thus to teach and believe, is open blas- 
phemy against Christ and his blood. I have proved more than 
once by the word of the Lord, that Christ is the only remedy 
for our sins, and that there is forever none other. (Isa. 43, 53 ; 
Matt. 1, 20, 26; Mark 14; Luke 2, 22, 24; John, 1, 3; Acts, 
4, 10 ; Gal. 1, 2 ; Eph. 1, 2, 5 ; Col. 1, 2 ; 1 Tim. 1, 2 ; Tit. 2, 
3 ; Heb. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 ; 1 Pet. 1, 2, 3, 4 ; 1 John 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Eev. 1.) If men will not believe the word of God, 
there is no help for them. But the way or manner in which 
believers receive the remission of sins, in baptism, is fully ex- 
plained above, and he that reads it understandingly, will give 
the Lord Jesus the praise due him, and not ascribe the re- 
mission of his sins to rites and elements. 

In the fifth place, they say, that Christ has cleansed and 
sanctified his church with the washing of water. (Eph. 5,) 
Children, (say they,) belong, to the church, therefore, they must 
be cleansed with the washing of water by the word. 

To which we reply, Paul does not speak of children, but of 
those who hear and believe the word of the Lord, and thus by 
faith, their hearts are sanctified and cleansed. (Acts 15.) For 
such are cleansed by the washing of water, as the mouth of the 
Lord has commanded. 

Since children have not this pure, sanctifying faith, nor the 
means thereto, (Rom. 10,) namely, the understanding, and are 
not commanded in scripture to be baptized ; how can they then 
be cleansed with water by the word, having no faith in the 
word, and no washing of water by the word? Therefore, all 
pedo-baptists should know, that their infant baptism does 
neither cleanse nor sanctify, but that it is idolatry in toto, 
without promise — pernicious, and contrary to the word of the 
Lord. 



WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. 51 

We have before shown, that the remission of sins, or recon- 
ciliation was connected with and consequent upon the Jewish 
offerings, if performed according to the instructions of Moses. 
But when not thus performed, they did not obtain reconciliation, 
but made themselves the more guilty, as Saul, Uzziah, Nadab, 
Abihu and others. (1 Sam. 15; 2 Chron. 26; Lev. 20.) In 
like manner is the church sanctified and cleansed, with the 
washing of water, by the word, if it is done in every respect ac- 
cording to the instruction of the word. But if not, a man is not 
cleansed, but sins much more. 

And although children have neither faith nor baptism, no one 
has a right to believe, that they will therefore be damned ! O 
no ! they are blessed ; for they have the Lord's own promise of 
the kingdom of God ; not through any elements, ceremonies and 
external rites, but they are saved only by grace, through Jesus 
Christ. (Matt. 19; Mark 10; Luke 18.) And therefore, we 
do truly believe, that they are in a state of grace, acceptable to 
God, pure, holy, heirs of God and of eternal life. For on ac- 
count of this promise, all sincere, christian believers, may 
assuredly comfort themselves and rejoice in the salvation of 
their children. 

In the sixth place, they say, that children are to be baptized 
on account of the promise made them, as above stated ; although 
Christ did not baptize the children brought to him, or had them 
baptized ; but they say, that he had infant baptism, taught and 
practised after his death. 

To which we reply : This is a false doctrine, and has not the 
word of God to sanction it ; yea, it cannot be supported by a 
single word in the scriptures. We rejoice with all our heart, 
that they have this promise ; the scriptures, however, do not 
teach that they should, therefore, be baptized. And that they 
were not baptized before Christ's death, gives us greater assur- 
ance still, that they were not baptized after his death; for we 
certainly know, that he taught no other word, no other doctrine, 
no other baptism, nor did he give another spirit, or another 
promise, nor had he instructed others to teach differently, 
after his death, than before that event. That he commanded 
his holy apostles, after his ascension, to teach and practise 
infant baptism, can never be proved by the word of the Lord. 

flesh, flesh ! thou art not ashamed to charge lies upon 
Jesus Christ and his apostles, and to practise infant baptism 
under the semblance of the divine word, as if the Lord had 
taught it, though he never did. How much you are like those 
who say : Thus saith the Lord, Lord, albeit, 1 have not spoken 
it, saith the Lord. (Jer. 23 ; Exod. 13.) 

As often as the question is put to us, why shall children not 



52 COUNTER ARGUMENTS. 

be baptized, since they belong to the church of God, and are 
partakers of his grace, covenant and promise ? 

We answer : Because the Lord neither taught nor com- 
manded it. 

In the seventh place they say : The scriptures inform us, 
that the apostles baptized whole families, from which we may 
readily conclude, that there were infants among them. 

To which, in the first place, we reply, that they acknowledge 
by their own argument, which they base upon uncertain con- 
jectures, that there is not a word in the scriptures, which 
teaches this doctrine. 

In the second place, we answer, that in things of such im- 
portance, we dare not build upon uncertain suppositions, but 
upon the sure word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to 
our path. (Ps. 119.) 

We answer in the third place, that four families are men- 
tioned in the scriptures, as having been baptized ; namely, Cor- 
nelius's, the jailor's, Lydia's and Stephanas's, "(Acts 10, 16 ; 1 
Cor. 16.) And the scriptures plainly show that these four 
families were all believers, namely, the family of Cornelius, the 
jailor's, and that of Stephanas. But, touching the family of Lydia, 
although the scriptures say nothing definitely concerning it, the 
reader should know that it is not usual in scripture, nor the 
common custom of the world, to call the family by the woman's 
name, as long as the husband is living. Since then, Luke men- 
tions the family by the name of the woman, reason teaches us, 
that Lydia was at that time either a widow or a virgin. Of the 
difficulty to determine whether there were children in her house, 
we shall let the pious reader judge. 

We answer in the fourth place, that the word household, or 
houses, does not include the minor children as mentioned in 
the scripture : for Paul says ; That the idle talkers subvert 
whole houses. And that a little child cannot be subverted by 
any false doctrine, is incontrovertibly true. Therefore, by the 
word house or houses, no others can be understood, than those 
who have ears to hear, and hearts to understand. 

In the last place, they appeal to Origen and Augustine, and 
say, that these assert, that they have received infant baptism 
from the apostles. 

To which we answer, and ask : Can Origen and Augustine, 
prove this by the scriptures ? Have they done so ? — we desire 
to know ; if not, then must we hear and believe Christ and his 
apostFes, and not Augustine and Origen. 

That this is not the case may readily be seen from Cyprian ; 
because he left infant baptism at liberty, if the preachers of 
Nordlingen, for many years past, have rightly informed me in 



WITH THEIR REPLICATIONS. 53 

the history of their church, and not deceived me with the mean- 
ing of the word Libertum. Cyprian also was a Greek, as well 
as Origen; and lived twenty-five years after him. If then infant 
baptism was the doctrine of the apostles and practised by them, 
as Origen and Augustine assert, it must first be proved by the 
scriptures, and then Cyprian must not have sinned a little, to 
leave the observance of the doctrines and usages of the apostles 
at liberty. For any thing that is apostolic, dare not be changed 
by any man. The word of Paul is indisputable ; if an angel 
were to come from heaven to preach another gospel unto you, 
than that which he had preached unto you, let him be accursed. 
Else we would be constrained to acknowledge, that the twelve 
apostles with their doctrine, were not the twelve foundations and 
twelve gates of the new Jerusalem. 

If infant baptism is apostolic, why does Tertullian write and 
say, "They who are baptized, confess for a considerable time in 
the church, before the bishop, that they renounce the devil, his 
pomp and angels," &c. 

Eevanus annotates on this passage and says : That it was the 
custom of old, that the adults, — the grown persons, be baptized 
in the bath of regeneration. 

That infant baptism was not apostolic, may be seen from the 
insipid remarks of Athanasius, as Eufinus plainly shows ; see 
Eus. 10 Libro Eec. His. Cap. 14. 

And, remember how the early writers contended about infant 
baptism. Had it been apostolic, and found in the gospel, why 
would they have thus wrangled. 

Read also Erasmus Rottered, in sua concion., in his public 
orations, Sebastus Frank's Chronicle. Ulrich Zuingle in his 
book of Articles, Martin Cellarius, de immensis operi, Dei, 
concerning the immense works of God, there you will find, 
that infant baptism is not the doctrine and the usuages of the 
apostles. 

Behold, beloved reader, I admonish and advise you, if you 
seek God with all your heart, and do not wish to be deceived ; 
depend not upon men and their doctrine, no matter how old, 
how holy and excellent soever they may be called; for one 
divine, ancient or modern, is against another ; but put your 
trust in Christ and his word. Depend upon the sure instruc- 
tion and usages of his holy apostles, and you will through the 
grace of God, be perfectly safe from all false doctrines and 
power of the devil ; and you can walk with a pious mind before 
God. (Matt. 17.) 



5* 



54 AN ADMONITION ADDRESSED TO THE 

AN ADMONITION % 
ADDEESSED TO THE SCOENEES OF THE 
WORD AND BAPTISM. 

We well know, beloved reader, that there are many unprofit- 
able talkers, who teach from the letters of the scriptures, that 
little children should not be baptized, but only christian be- 
lievers ; nevertheless they say : Why my dear sir, what can 
water avail us ? We have been once baptized in the name of 
God. Had we only the new life, it would suffice. 0, dear 
Lord ! thus is thy precious word every where esteemed of this 
vicious world, as fables of iEsop ; as if omnipotent majesty, the 
eternal wisdom and truth had taught and commanded some 
things to no purpose. No, my good reader, no, his name, is the 
governing Lord ; his word is his will ; his command is eternal 
life, (John 11.) All things which he has taught and commanded 
us, he will undoubtedly have us to observe : if we do not, woe 
to us ! Christ says : He that hath my commandments, and 
keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. (John 15.) My counsel, 
says the prophet, will stand, and my will shall be done. There- 
fore, creature, do no longer fight against God. Give ear to 
him and obey his voice, for it is his divine counsel, word and 
will. Who are you, that you would contend with God ? Christ's 
sheep hear his voice* (John 10). True christians believe and 
obey. Are you sincere christians, born of God ? Then why do 
you dread baptism; which is among the least that God com- 
manded you ? it has always been a weighty command, to love 
your enemy ; to do good to those who hate you ; to pray in 
spirit and in truth, for those who persecute you ; (Matt. 5) to 
crucify your wicked and ungodly flesh, with its lusts and de- 
sires ; (Rom. 12 ; Gal 5) to subdue your arbitrary arrogance ; 
your avariciousness ; your offensive unchastity ; your bloody 
hatred ; your banqueting, eating and drinking to excess ; to 
renounce your accursed idolatry ; to desist from your envious 
revilings; to curb your slanderous tongue; to govern your 
heart, and flesh ; to love and serve with all your heart, your 
Lord and God, your Creator and Redeemer ; and in all things 
to submit to his holy word, and to love and serve your neighbor 
sincerely, with all your powers ; (Deut. 6, 10 ; Matt. 22 ; Gal. 5) 
with all your possessions, with your counsel, with your labor, 
yea, if required, your death and blood, (Eph. 4,) to suffer misery 
and disdain for the Lord's word ; with a sincere heart to bear 
the oppressive cross of Christ ; (1 John 3) and to confess Christ 



SCORNERS OF THE WORD AND BAPTISM. 55 

Jesus, before lords and princes — in prison and bonds — in life 
and death. 

We think that these, and the like commands, were more 
powerful and weightier to perverse flesh, which is so naturally 
prone to follow its own way, than to have a hand full of water 
applied. And a sincere christian must at all times be ready to 
do all this ; if not, he is not born of God : for the regenerated 
are of one mind with Christ Jesus. 

All who have been translated from Adam into Christ, and 
become partakers of the divine nature, through the grace of 
God, and are baptized of God, with the spirit and fire of heavenly 
love, will not contend with and speak so deridingly of the Lord, 
and say : My dear sir, what can water avail ? But they say 
with trembling Paul ; Lord what wilt Thou have me to do ? 
(Acts 9.) And with the penitents on the day of Pentecost: 
Men and brethren, what shall we do ? (Acts 2.) They will 
renounce their own wisdom ; and willingly obey the word of the 
Lord ; for they are influenced by his spirit ; and through faith, 
willingly do all things commanded them. 

But as long as their minds are not renewed, and they are not 
of the same mind with Christ, (Phil. 1,) and are not washed in 
the inner man, with clean water, from the living fountain of 
God ; they may well say ; What can water avail us ? (John 7 ; 
Heb. 10.) For as long as they are earthly and sensually 
minded, the whole ocean would not cleanse them. 

My faithful reader, think not that we put great stress upon 
the elements and rites. I tell you the truth in Christ, and lie 
not. If any one were to come to me, even the emperor or the 
king, and would desire to be baptized, still walking in the 
unclean, ungodly lusts^ of the flesh, and were he not unblame- 
able, penitent and regenerated, I would sooner die by the grace 
of God, than to baptize such an impenitent and sensual man. 
For where there is no renewing, regenerating faith, leading to 
obedience, there baptism should not be administered. Even as 
Philip said to the Eunuch ; If thou believest with all thy heart, 
then mayest thou be baptized. (Acts 8.) But nevertheless, 
you ought to know, should the person to be baptized, come with 
a hypocritical heart, under semblance of faith, that his hypocrisy 
would not be imputed to the baptizer as a sin, but to the dis- 
sembler ; for no man knows the heart of man, save the spirit of 
man which is in him. (1 Cor. 2.) 

It appears to me, that you might readily conclude that we 
desire no other water, than that which the Lord commands. 
For since we believe, that Christ is the true Messiah, to whom 
the law and the prophets directed, whom all the righteous 
patriarchs and prophets desired, that he came from heaven and 



56 AN ADMONITION ADDRESSED TO THE 

testified the truth, and that his command is eternal life, we must, 
therefore, hear his voice and obey his word ; if not, we actually 
show that we do not believe, but that we reject his counsel and 
word, and are ungrateful towards him, for his love. 

I know well, that many of you will say : We were once bap- 
tized in the name of God, and with that we are satisfied. To 
which we reply : If you fear God with all your heart, and acknow- 
ledge that his word and ordinances are just and good, you must 
be judges yourselves whether you are baptized in the name, or 
against the name of God. It is true that the adorable, high 
name of God was pronounced over you, but not otherwise than 
it is pronounced over church-bells, chapels, altars, consecrated 
water, tapers and palms. All anti-christian idolatry and abomi- 
nations, are performed under the semblance of the divine name ; 
although they are not done by virtue of but against his name, 
(Exod. 20,) for they are done contrary to his word and will. 

My beloved reader, reflect well upon these words, and judge 
them by the word of the Lord, and you will find that your bap- 
tism is instituted and invented of men, without the command of 
God, and must be accursed of God, who will himself rule and 
govern his church. (Gal. I.) Would you rejoice in the promise 
and be partakers of the church of Christ, you must believe the 
word of the Lord, be obedient to, and follow his counsel, will 
and ordinances. But if you refuse, and follow your own, and 
not the Lord's counsel and will ; you cannot comfort yourselves 
with any scriptural promise. For he that believeth not, says 
Christ, is already condemned. (John 3.) 

Therefore, do no longer comfort yourselves with such vain 
comfort, and say, we have been once baptized. You are still 
unbelievers, rebellious and unclean. Your whole life is earthly 
and sensual, and your baptism is anti-christian, and is without 
the sanction of the word of God. Therefore, awaken, repent, 
believe in Christ, seek, fear and love God with all your heart, 
then the word of the Lord and his unction, will teach you what 
is proper for you to do in this matter. And say not, as some 
do, I will renounce the church and idolatry ; I will serve my 
neighbor, &c. ; but I do not wish to be baptized. 

O you blind men ! Do you think that the Lord is pleased 
with your staying away from the church, or with your alms, or 
any thing of the kind, if you reject his counsel and word ? No ! 
no ! ! He desires your obedience, but no sacrifice, (1 Sam. 15.) 
He desires the whole heart, the entire man. Wi^th him, neither 
church nor alms will avail, neither words nor deeds, as long as 
you are unrenewed. For in Christ Jesus, says Paul, neither 
circumcision, nor uncircumcision availeth anything, but faith 



SCORNERS OF THE WORD AND BAPTISM. 57 

which worketh by love, (Gal. 5) and a new creature, (Gal. 6) 
and the keeping of the commandments of God, (1 Cor. 7.) 

And whosoever is renewed in Christ and born of God, he 
liveth no more, as Paul says : but Christ lives in him, (Gal. 1.) 
Tn all his ways he conforms to the word of the Lord, for the 
powerful, active faith constrains him to all obedience, and to 
every good work. But where this new principle is not, there 
fair words may indeed be, but in truth, nothing else than unbe- 
lief, disobedience, presumption, and perverseness. 

I hereby entreat and admonish you, beloved reader, not to be 
so obstinate against the Lord, and say : what can water avail 
us? But do reflect that Christ Jesus himself was baptized, 
(Matt. 3) though he was without sin, and in his mouth guile was 
not found ; (1 Cor. 1,) yea, righteousness himself, the way, the 
truth, and life, (John 4.) Say then, what could water avail 
Christ, who was all in all things ? The disciples at Ephesus 
were re-baptized of Paul, because they knew nothing of the Holy 
Ghost, although they were baptized with the baptism of John, 
(Acts 19.) If Christ himself was baptized, who was without 
sin, (Matt. 11) and others were re-baptized of Paul, who were 
baptized with the baptism of John, which was also from heaven? 
"Why do you then despise the Lord's baptism, you miserable, 
poor sinners, who were baptized without knowledge and faith, 
with the baptism of the dragon and the beast ? 

Cyprian, the martyr, with his council, in Africa, resolved that 
those who were baptized of heretics, should be re-baptized with 
the christian baptism, and they, therefore, maintained that 
heretical baptism could not be the baptism of Christ. Reflect 
a little, kind reader, who they were that baptized you ; of whom 
they were sent ; what kind of faith they had ; what kind of lives 
they led ; with what doctrine and usages you were baptized. 
If you will seriously reflect thereon, I hope by the grace of God, 
if you desire the true peace and liberty of conscience, you will 
soon be aware that you never knew either the external or inter- 
nal baptism, much less received it. 

Behold, beloved reader, here you have the true foundation and 
scriptural instructions of the baptism of Christ, and an explana- 
tion of the baptism of Antichrist. 

Pray the Lord, the Most High, for a sound and clear under- 
standing, that you may know the right and blessed truth, might 
believe and in the fear of the Lord, faithfully observe all things. 
Quit all useless disputing and gainsaying ; for whosoever will 
dispute and gainsay with the determination to remain in the 
broad way, will ruin his soul, and will never walk honestly, and 
with a good conscience before God ; and he will always find 
occasion to dispute and wrangle. 



58 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 

Therefore, do examine, believe, and obey the word of God, 
with a sincere and devout heart, and be not deceived by fair 
speeches under disguise, and you will certainly obtain the sure 
ground of the saving truth, and the consoling promise of grace. 
The Lord Jesus grant, and give you his grace thereto, Amen. 



THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 

You know, beloved sirs, friends and brethren, that every 
where much is written, preached and said concerning the Lord's 
supper. But with what knowledge, in what manner, with what 
faith, love, peace, and unity, they celebrate it, is evident. It is 
true, the Lord commanded, in the New Testament, the breaking 
of bread, or the last supper, but not to be celebrated as you do. 
Your Lord's supper is common to all, no matter who they are ; 
the avaricious, the proud, the gay, drunkards, wranglers, idola- 
tors, debauchees, whoremongers, and rogues, celebrate with you. 
It is also used in an abominable, offensive, pompous, hypocriti- 
cal and idolatrous manner ; and besides, it is dispensed by such 
ministers, who, in truth, seek but the world, honor, ease, to 
serve their flesh and body, alas ! as may be seen in many places. 

Since so many of you are so zealous about the Lord's supper, 
but not according to the scripture, as you shall hear ; for your 
table is more the devil's table than the Lord's, (1 Cor. 20.) I 
would, for Jesus' sake, that you would in the true fear of God, 
reflect and enquire whom, why and wherefore, the Lord 
instituted, ordained and left, this* his supper, in the church, so 
that it may prove to you a living and an effecting sign ; that it 
might be impressed upon, and bring to your mind the Lord's 
abundant kindness, the peace, the love, and union of his church, 
the communion of his flesh and blood ; and that you may die to 
unrighteousness, and every other ungodly work ; to live to right- 
eousness and godliness: and renounce the devil's table ; and that 
you may sit down at the Lord's table in the church of Christ, 
with true faith, and unfeigned love, as pious, penitent and 
regenerated. 

Thus saith Paul : I have received of the Lord, that which 
also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night 
in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given 
thanks, he brake it and said : Take, eat, this is my body, 
which is broken for you, this do in remembrance of me. After 
the same manner, he took the cup, when he had supped, say- 
ing, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, this do ye as 
oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me. (I Cor. 11.) 



THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 59 

Here you have Paul's explanation of the words of the Lord's 
Supper, instituted by Jesus Christ, (Matt. 26 ; Mark 14; Luke 
22 ;) concerning which words, the learned taught and disputed 
much ; and alas, some of them, through their idolatrous misun- 
derstanding, if we may call it such, and not pride, disputed at 
the expense of much innocent blood ; and what holy Paul says, 
(Rom. 1.) concerning them is fulfilled. Professing themselves 
to be wise, they become fools. For they disputed most about 
the sign, which avails little, but they touched not the thing 
signified which avails much. In my opinion, they are indifferent 
what the qualification of the guests or communicants should be 
in order to sit with Christ at his table, to celebrate this holy 
sacrament. 

There is not a single word in the scriptures, that should give 
cause for dispute concerning the visible and tangible sign : The 
spiritual judge all things spiritually, (1 Cor. 2.) For whatever 
that may be in the substance, it can be handled, seen and 
tasted. But it is more important for us to perform as much as 
we can, in our weakness, what is signified — the thing which is 
set forth to all true and Christian believers. 

On this account, we will not trouble the well meaning and 
pious reader, with jarring, fruitless disputing, as the learned 
do ; but we only desire, by the help and grace of the Lord, by 
the power of the divine word, to point out to you, for whom, and 
why Jesus left and ordained this supper, so that we do not pre- 
fer the visible sign to the reality of the thing signified, and de- 
part from the truth to images. 

To come to a right and profitable understanding of the Lord's 
Supper, what it is, why, and wherefore it was enjoined, four 
things in particular must be observed. 

In the first place, we must take heed that we do not as some 
who make the visible, perishable bread and wine, the Lord's 
real flesh and blood ; to believe this, is contrary to nature, rea- 
son and scripture ; yea, it is open blasphemy of the Son of God, 
abomination and idolatry. But as Israel had to hold the pass- 
over annually, according to the command of Moses, to com- 
memorate that the Almighty God, the God of Abraham, of 
Isaac and Jacob, did signally deliver them in passing over, 
and sparing their first born, when he slew the first born of the 
Egyptians ; and by his strong hand and outstretched arm, 
gloriously redeemed, and rescued them from the iron furnace of 
Egypt and the dread tyranny and dominion of Pharoah, accord- 
ing to the word of his promise, (Exod. 15,) and hence the 
paschal lamb is called the Lord's passah, that is, passover, 
(Exod. 12.) The sign for the reality, for the lamb was not the 
passover (leap over) although so called, but it only typified the 



60 THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 

passover, as said. So in the Eucharist, the bread is called the 
body, and the wine the blood of the Lord. (Mark 16 ; Luke 
24 ; Acts 1 ; Rom. 8 ; Eph. 4 ; 2 Pet. 3.) I say the sign is 
put for the reality, the thing signified or typified, not that it 
actually is the real flesh and blood of Christ ; for with that he 
ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of his father, 
immortal, and unchangeable, in eternal majesty and glory ; but 
it is a memorial and type that Jesus Christ the Son of God has 
redeemed us from the power of the devil, from the dominion of 
hell and eternal death, by offering up an immaculate sacrifice, 
— his innocent flesh and blood, and has triumphantly led us into 
the kingdom of his grace, (Heb. 10,) as he himself says ; (Luke 
22.) This do in remembrance of me. 

In the second place, it is to be observed, that there is no 
greater evidence of love, than that one suffers death for another, 
as Christ says : Greater love hath no man than this, that a man 
lay down his life for his friends. Since this holy sign is only a 
memorial of the Lord's death, and since death is the greatest 
evidence of love, as said, we are therefore, reminded, when we 
are at the Lord's table, to eat his bread and to drink his cup, 
that we not only show forth and remember his death, but also 
all the glorious fruits of divine love, manifested towards us, in 
Christ; namely, that God, in the beginning, made man alter 
his image — placed him in Paradise, and made all creatures sub- 
ject to him, (Gen. 1, 2.) 

And when he was beguiled of the serpent, he was comforted 
with the promise of a coming Conqueror and Saviour, Jesus 
Christ. That God sent Moses and the prophets, who sedu- 
lously practised the law, and directed to the promised Christ 
and his kingdom. That Christ Jesus, according to the pro- 
mise of the Scriptures, finally appeared in this world, — a true 
man, born of the Yirgin Mary, (Matt. 1, 2 ; Luke 1 ; John 1.) 
That in much misery, affliction and labor, he preached the sav- 
ing and gracious word to the house of Israel — sought the lost 
sheep, and brought them to their true Shepherd, (Matt. 18; 
Luke 15.) Who has pacified and reconciled us before the 
Father, through his painful death and precious blood, (Eph. 2 ; 
Col. 1, 2,) as he himself says ; For God so loved the world that 
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3.) 

Oh ! the great, wonderful unsearchable and incomprehensible 
love of God, He did not send into this unfriendly world an 
angel, a patriarch, or a prophet, 'but his eternal ALMIGHTY 
WORD, his ETERNAL WISDOM, the brightness of his 
glory, in the form of sinful flesh, (Rom. 8,) and made him to be 
sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we mignt be made the right- 
eousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5.) 



THE LORD'S HOLT SUPPER. 61 

My good reader, do not understand this as if Christ had been 
a sinner. Far from it. The scriptures acquit him of all sin. 
He was the spotless lamb. He knew not sin, neither was guile 
found in his mouth. But Paul calls him sin, according to the 
Hebrew manner of expression ; that is an offering for sin as the 
prophet says : He was wounded for our transgressions, he was 
bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was 
upon him ; and with his stripes were we healed, (Isa. 53.) 

Beloved, worthy reader, all those who believe with their 
whole hearts in this glorious love of God, this abundant, great 
blessing of grace in Christ Jesus, manifested toward us, they 
are more and more renewed through such a faith ; their hearts 
are filled with joy and exultation ; they will break forth with 
joyful heart, in all manner of thanksgiving — they praise and 
commend God with all their heart, because they know, and be- 
lieve with joyful heart, in the spirit ; that the Father loved us 
so, that He gave us poor, wretched sinners, his own and Eter- 
nal Son, with his merits, as a gift and eternal ransom as Paul 
says : The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man 
appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, 
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re- 
generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ; which he shed 
on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour : That being 
justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to 
the hope of eternal life. (Tit. 3.) 

Here it is proper to observe : How the righteous died for the 
unrighteous, when we were yet sinners and enemies. (Rom. 5.) 
How the spotless lamb was prepared for us, in the fire of 
affliction — suffered upon the cross, and was offered an eternal 
propitiation for our sins. He, the creator of all things was 
bruised for our sakes, (Ex. 12 ; Heb. 1 ; John 1 ; Col. 1 ; Ps. 
45.) And he, the most High, who was above all the children 
of men, &c, became as the most unworthy, and was counted 
with evil doers, (Isa. 53.) The innocent bore the sins of the 
whole world, and blotted out all our transgression, by the price 
of his crimson blood ; as the scriptures declare : I restored that 
which I took not away. (Ps. 69.) In short, that Jesus Christ 
through His obedience, delivered Adam and all his seed from 
the consequences of disobedience, and by his painful death, 
again restored life. (Rom. 5.) 

The apostle Paul, who knew this great and glorious work of 
divine love, broke forth and said, (Rom. 8 :) Who will separate 
us from the love of God ? Shall tribulation or distress, or per- 
secution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword, as it is 
written. (Ps. 43.) For thy sake we are killed all the day 
long ; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all 

6 



62 n THE lord's holy supper. 

these things we are more than conquerors through him that 
loved us. For 1 am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor 
angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in 
Christ Jesus our Lord. 

And this is what John says : Let us love him for he first loved 
us. (1 John 4.) For nature teaches us to love those, who love 
us. And this is the first fruit of the holy sacrament, if rightly 
celebrated. 

In the third place, we have to observe: That christain union, 
love and peace are presented to us, and we are reminded of 
them, by the Lord's supper ; after which all true christians will 
have to strive with all their heart. For we being many, (says 
Paul) are one bread, and one body : For we are all partakers of 
that one bread. 

Like as natural bread is made of many grains, broken and 
kneaded together, and baked by the .heat of fire ; also is the 
church of Christ made up of many true believers, broken in 
their hearts, by the hammer of divine word, and are baptized 
by the Holy Ghost, and with the fire of pure love, into one body. 
(1 Cor. 12.) And as the natural body is in harmony and 
peace with all its members, ^and as each member discharges 
its duty to promote the good of the whole body ; thus it also 
becomes the true and living members of the body of Christ, to 
be in harmony, of one heart, one mind and one soul. Not 
quarrelsome and unpeaceable, not spiteful and envious, not 
wrathful and hateful, not malicious, not obstinate or rancorous, 
one toward another, not like the ambitious, covetous of honor, 
or the haughty of this world ; but in all things, one toward 
another, be long suffering, friendly, peaceable, ever ready to 
serve his neighbor in true christian love, in all things possible ; 
by exhortation ; by reproof, by comforting, by assisting, by 
counselling, with deed and with good, yea, in labor, with body 
and life. (Eph. 4.) Ready to forgive one another, as Christ 
forgave us, and served us by his word, with his life and death. 
As Paul says : Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and 
beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meek- 
ness, long suffering : forbearing one another, and forgiving one 
another, if any man have a quarrel against any : Even as Christ 
forgave you, so also do ye. And above all things, put on charity, 
which is the bond of perfectness : and let the peace of God rule 
in your hearts, to which also ye are called into one body ; and be 
thankful. (Col. 3.) 

And again ; as in the natural body, the more honorable mem- 
bers, such as the eye, the ear, the mouth do not proscribe the 



THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 63 

less honorable, and they also do not envy the more honorable ; 
but every member in its place, is peaceable, and contributes to 
the good of the whole body, whether it is honorable or feeble ; 
and thus in the church of the Lord God gave, says Paul, some 
apostles, some prophets ; some evangelists ; some teachers. Let 
every one be mindful that he boasts not of the things he has, 
for it is all the grace of God. Let every one attend to his duty, 
to the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
the edifying of the body of Christ : till all come in the unity of 
faith, and the knowledge of the son of God. into a perfect man, 
unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 
(Eph. 4.) 

This is also set forth in the holy supper ; but how the world, 
calling themselves christians, live up to this, is shown by their 
fruits and actions. 

In the fourth place, we have to observe : That the holy supper 
is the communion of the body and blood of Christ; as Paul 
says : The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the commu- 
nion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it 
not the communion of the body of Christ ? (1 Cor. 10.) 

Since then it is a communion, as said, I would fraternally 
exhort all of you; that you would earnestly examine yourselves, 
whether you have been made partakers of Christ? (tleb. 3.) 
Whether you are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone? 
(Eph. 5.) Whether you are in Christ, and Christ in you? For 
all who would worthily eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, 
must be changed and renewed in the inner and outer man 
through the power of the divine word and the operation of faith ; 
(John 3; 2 Pet. 1.) and be of a new mind, as new creatures 
born of God, and translated from Adam into Christ ; be of a 
christian disposition, long suffering, peaceable, merciful, affec- 
tionate, and truly humble, and be obedient to the word of the 
Lord. The proud, ambitious, selfish and sensual heart must be 
circumcised. (Col. 2.) The evil eye must be plucked out, (Matt. 
18.) the ear that delights to hear evil, must be closed ; the 
unprofitable, backbiting tongue must be bridled ; the unclean, 
bloody hand must be cleansed; the unclean, unchaste flesh 
must be corrected, &c. (Isa. 2.) They must lead a crusade 
against the world, flesh and the devil ; their loins must be girt 
about with truth ; having on the breast-plate of righteousness ; 
their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; 
they must be armed with the shield of faith ; with the helmet 
of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. (Eph. 6 ; 1 Thess. 5.) 
They must be led by the spirit of God, to become the sons of 
God ; and strive with all their powers, that they may be like- 
minded with Christ Jesus. (Phil. 2; Rom. 8.) When he insti- 



64 THE LORD'S HOLY StJPPER. 

tuted and celebrated it with his beloved disciples ; he said : With 
desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I 
suffer. And then he took the cup and gave thanks and said : 
This is my body which is given for you. Likewise also the wine. 
This is the cup of the New Testament in my blood, &c. This do 
in remembrance of me. (Matt. 22 ; Mark 14 ; Luke 22 ; 1 Cor. 
11.) As if he had said : Behold, dear children, so far has that 
love which I have had for you and the whole human family, and 
shall ever have for you, constrained me, that I left the glory of 
my Father, came into this world of affliction, and am as a poor, 
miserable servant, to serve you, (John 3, 1 ; John 4 ; Kom. 8 ; 
Phil. 1.) for I beheld that you all belonged to satan, and there 
was none to redeem you, (Heb. 2.) and that you had all gone 
astray, like erring sheep, and there was none who cared for you. 
That you were a prey to devouring wolves, and there was none 
to ransom you. (Isa. 53; Exod. 34; Matt. 18; Luke 15.) That 
you were wounded with death, and there was none that could 
heal you. (Luke 10; Exod. 16.) Therefore, did I come from 
heaven, and became a poor, weak and dying man, in all things 
like unto you, sin excepted. (John 1; Heb. 4.) In my great 
love I zealously sought you, and I found you helpless, loathsome 
and miserable, yea half dead, (Exod. 16,) the services of my love 
I have so cordially manifested toward you ; your sores I bound 
-up; your blood I wiped off; I poured wine and oil into your 
putrid wounds, (Luke 10,) set you free from the jaws of the 
bears and lions of the pit ; I laid you upon my shoulders, and 
led you into the tabernacles of peace; (2 Kings 17 ; Ezra 1;) 
your nakedness I covered ; had compassion on you in your 
misery ; 1 fulfilled the law for you ; (Matt. 5 ; Rom. 8 ;) your sins 
I took away; I proclaimed to you the peace, the grace and favor 
of my Father ; I made known to you his good will ; I pointed 
out the way of truth; and I have powerfully testified to you, 
by my unheard-of signs and great miracles, that I am the true 
Messiah, the promised Prince and Saviour. (Isa. 53 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; 
Gen. 49 ; Job. 17 ; John 3.) 

Beloved, children, so long as I have been with you, taught 
my Father's word, admonished, reproved and comforted in his 
name ; but now my hour is at hand : this night I shall be 
betrayed. All what the prophet said of me, has come to an 
end. (Matt. 26; Luke 22.) But, since I can serve you no longer, 
with my doctrine and life, I will, at last, serve you with my 
painful sufferings. 

And this is the reason why I called you to this supper, so that 
I might institute a memorial in the use of bread and wine, and 
that you might occasionally come together after my death, and 
commemorate the gracious favors of my ardent love, so abun- 



THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 65 

dantly manifested toyou-ward ; and especially, that I loved you 
so dearly, that I offered my body for you ; and shed my blood 
for you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down 
his life for his friends. (1 Cor. 11; John 15.) I have by my 
death obtained for you everlasting reconciliation, grace, mercy, 
favor and peace with my Father, as I told you, namely : Even 
as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to 
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matt. 20.) 

Beloved reader, take notice of the word of the Lord and the 
institution. For where this holy supper is celebrated with such 
faith, love, devotion, peace, harmony, and so much cordiality, 
there Jesus Christ is present with his grace, spirit, and promise, 
and with the merits of his sufferings, misery, flesh, blood, cross 
and death ; as he himself says : Where two or three are gathered 
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt. 
18.) But where the knowledge of Christ, active faith, new life, 
christian love, peace and harmony do not exist, there is not the 
Lord's supper, but a despising of the blood and death of Christ, 
a consolation of the impenitent, a seducing hypocrisy, and open 
blasphemy and idolatry. As, alas ! we know and see by the world. 

O ! delightful assembly and christian banquet, called and 
ordained of the Lord himself, where there are no sensual plea- 
sures, to gratify the .flesh, but where are set forth, the glorious, 
holy mysteries by visible signs, under bread and wine — those, 
mysteries are set forth, sought for, and desired by all true 
christian believers. (Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22.) 

! delightful assembly and christian banquet, where no un- 
seasonable, slanderous mockery, and trivial songs are sung ; but 
there obtain the devout, christian life, peace, and harmony 
among all the brethren ; besides the joyful word of divine grace, 
his gracious kindness, favor, love, service, tears, prayers, cross 
and death, with delightful praises of divine thanksgiving in 
devout joy, are all set forth, and exhibited to all. 

! delightful assembly and christian banquet ; to which the 
impenitent and proud despisers, according to scripture are not 
invited ; such as whores, and whore-mongers, rogues, adulterers, 
debauchees, the giddy, robbers, liars, defrauders, tyrants, blood- 
shedders, idolators, slanderers, &c, for such are not the people 
of the Lord. 

But these are the people of Christ, who are invited, the true 
christians, who are born of God, who have subdued their sin3 
and walk with Christ in newness of life, who crucify their flesh, 
are influenced by the Holy Ghost, who believe God with all their 
heart, seek, fear, and love him, and in their weakness gladly 
serve him, and are obedient unto him ; — such are members of the 
body of Christ; flesh of his flesh ; and bone of his bone. (Eph. 5.) 

6* 



66 the lord's holy supper. 

! delightful assembly, and christian banquet ; when there 
is not excess of eating and drinking, nor the ungodly frivolity of 
piping and drumming is heard ; but there the troubled con- 
sciences are satisfied with the heavenly bread of the divine word, 
and with the wine of the Holy Ghost, joyful souls, singing and 
making melody in their hearts to the Lord. 

Awaken, O you, who sit in darkness and walk in the region 
and shadow of death. Awaken, I say, and observe that the 
supper which you have, to the present held, is not the supper of 
Christ, but of antichrist ; not the table of the Lord ; but the 
table of the devil. For it is generally dispensed only by open 
deceivers, and worshippers of idols ; and received by a people 
that is as yet quite dissolute, sensual, disbelievers, of the word 
of God and obstinate thereto. And moreover, they believe it 
to be the real body and blood of the Lord, and celebrate it with 
such unbecoming, heathenish pomp and splendor. O ! abomi- 
nable idolatry ! ! 

Beloved reader, I bear witness to the truth in Christ and lie 
not ; I tell you that the holy supper of Christ is not to be dis- 
pensed by a deceiver, nor to be received by an impenitent and 
obstinate sinner. Nor does it require such a gorgeous and 
splendid array to celebrate it ; as the world is wont to celebrate 
it. Neither golden vessels, nor hypocritical semblance of con- 
fessions, absolution, bowing, and smiting upon the breast, &c, 
but it must be celebrated with a broken heart, and humble 
mind ; — with unfeigned, ardent love, with peace and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. Again, I say, awaken, and reflect upon what I 
write. God's word and his work are no dead letter ; it is not 
bufFoonry. Nor is it the sounding of many bells and organs, 
and singing; but it is a heavenly power and a living, moving, 
of the Holy Ghost, which warms the heart and mind of the be- 
lievers ; pervades, comforts, anoints, and enlivens them ; makes 
them joyful and happy in God. For this is the true nature and 
power of the Lord's word, if it be rightly preached, and of his 
holy sacraments, if rightly used. 

It is, therefore, high time, to take heed to the word of the 
Lord. For all who are earthly and sensually minded, are not 
born of God and his word, are obstinately averse to the Lord's 
word ; love not their neighbors, nor are ready to help them ; all 
these are not the community of God, therefore they cannot be 
part of his body or guests at his table. For Paul says : To 
be carnally minded, is death, (Rom. 8 ; John 3.) * Christ says : 
Those who are not born from above, cannot see the kingdom of 
God. And Samuel says : Disobedience is as iniquity and 
idolatry. (1 Sam. 15, 23.) John says : He that loveth not 
his brother, (neighbor) abideth in death. Again, He that 



THE LORD'S HOLY SUPPER. 67 

loveth not, knows not God, for God is love. In short, without 
love, all preaching, all faith, baptizing, celebrating the Lord's 
supper, and prophecying, are vain, profit nothing. (1 Cor. 13.) 

We do, therefore, admonish all those desiring to celebrate this 
supper, that they might rightly learn to know what the true 
supper is, — what it signifies — how it is to be used, and who are 
to celebrate it. And then also to examine themselves well, as 
Paul teaches, before they eat of this bread and drink of this 
cup ; that they do not comfort themselves with the visible sign, 
and err in regard to the reality, represented by these signs ; for 
they who know not Christ and his righteousness, believe not 
him and his word, and walk not according thereto ; but accord- 
ing to the superstitious doctrines and commands of men, though 
they sit down at the Lord's table, they eat and drink damnation 
to themselves. . 

All who have received the word of the Lord through faith, 
and acknowledged it to be true, and have again transgressed it, 
and have not continued to walk in the truth, but are walking 
again in the broad way, have returned to the love of the world, 
and are rejecting Christ and his word, and depending upon the 
seducing doctrines, the interpretations and promises of the 
learned, such have no part at the Lord's table, for they are 
without God ; as John says : Whosoever transgresseth, and 
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. (2 
John 1.) 

All who walk in their heart's pride, and despise their poor 
distressed neighbor, and know not that they themselves are 
poor mortals, seed of Adam, and food for worms, and a wilted 
flower, yea dust and earth, whether they are emperor, king, rich, 
or learned, &c. and sit down at the Lord's table with a proud 
heart ; eat and drink damnation of themselves. 

All who boast of the Lord's spirit, name, covenant, word, 
knowledge, merits, grace, blood and death, and yet reject his 
holy counsel, doctrine, command, ordinance and his unblamable 
example, or reject and grieve his holy Spirit, hate, defraud and 
belie their neighbor, and sit down at the Lord's table ; eat and 
drink damnation to themselves. 

All who love houses, lands, friends, children, honor, ease of 
flesh, voluptuousness, and this life, more than they do Christ 
and his word, though attending the Lord's table, eat and drink 
damnation to themselves. Christ says : He that loveth any 
thing more than me, is not worthy of me and cannot be my dis- 
ciple, (Matt. 10 ; Luke 14.) 

And this is the sum of the whole matter, that all those who 
would sit down at the Lord's table, with the disciples and guests 
of Christ, whether rich or poor, high or low, must be sound in 



68 the lord's holy supper. 

faith, unblamable in conduct and life. None are excepted, 
neither emperor nor king, nor prince nor earl, knight nor noble- 
man. Yea, as long as they err in doctrine and faith, and are in 
their lives sensual and blamable, they are by no means to be 
suffered to commune with the pious and penitent, to appear at 
the holy supper; for they are not in Christ, but must remain 
without, till they sincerely repent and are converted to Christ, 
walk in the ways of the Lord, and be of one spirit and one faith 
with Christ and his church. For the Lord's supper is a com- 
munion of the flesh and blood of Christ, which is not to be given 
to the ungodly and obdurate as a pledge of reconciliation, but 
to the sincere, penitent, christian believers. 

If any one has a good appearance before men, and is inwardly 
proud, avaricious, sensual and without the spirit of God, he is 
not judged of the church, but of the Lord himself, the searcher 
and trier of men's hearts, and reins, as the scripture says. (Ps. 
7 ; Jer. 17 ; Rom. 8 ; Rev. 2.) We do, therefore, admonish all 
those who would go to the Lord's table ; to examine themselves 
before they approach ; for all who eat unworthily of this bread, 
and drink of this wine, eat and drink damnation to themselves. 
(1 Cor. 11.) 

Thus, beloved, does the holy supper instruct and admonish 
us : first ; the bread, as the body of Christ, which he offered for 
us, and the cup, the blood of Christ which he shed in great love, 
for the remission of our sins. (Matt. 26 ; Mark 14; Luke 22.) 
In the second place, we are admonished to union, love and 
peace, which must be among all true christians, according to the 
spirit, doctrine and example of Christ ; for Paul says : For we 
being many are one bread ; and one body, &c. (1 Cor. 10.) In 
the third place, we are admonished to true regeneration, to all 
righteousness, thanksgiving, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, 
to a pious and unblamable life. For it is a communion of the 
blood and body of Christ, of which no one is a partaker, nor 
can be, unless, he is born of God, dead unto sin, an humble, 
peaceable, pious christian, one who is in Christ, and Christ in 
in him ; flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone : This is to be 
a true partaker of the body and blood of Christ ; as Paul says : 
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning 
of our confidence steadfast unto the end. (John 3 ; Eph. 5 ; 
Heb 3.) 

Behold, beloved readers, here you have the true instructions 
concerning the Lord's holy supper, with its significations, fruit, 
power, nature, and the guests, as the mouth of the Lord and 
the holy apostles have left it and taught us. The usages and 
ordinances which belong to the church of God, are to be observed 
and kept with knowledge, faith, love, union, peace and piety. 



OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 69 

Here compare the supper of the world with this, and you will 
know the true one ; what an abomination the Antichrist has 
made of it, and what enchantments he practised by it, and how 
we poor sinners, with all our forefathers, have offered incense, 
as idolatrous Israel of old, for hundreds of years, unto the 
brazen serpent, (2 Kings 8 ; Exod. 32,) and danced before the 
golden calf. (2 Chron. 12.) ! my faithful reader, fear God, 
with all your heart, examine the scriptures, and believe the 
truth. 



OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY 
SUPPER. 

The scriptures teach that we have no other offering for sin 
than the body of the Lord, (Isa. 53; Matt. 20, 26; Rom. 3; 
Heb. 9, 10,) as before said. But because the enemies of Christ, 
have possessed the cathedral for so many years, and according 
to scripture, have altered the laws of the Most High, and have 
instead thereof, erected their abomination of desolation, (Deut. 
7,) and have altered and corrupted the holy supper with their 
councils, power and false doctrine, till, alas! it retains but the 
shadow, and the mere name, and they did this to destroy and 
corrupt the true, eternal offering of Christ, which only avails 
with God, and changed it into a daily offering for sin, as we may 
plainly read in the canons of the mass ; which undoubtedly is 
an abomination of abominations; for thereby, Jesus Christ with 
his all-sufficient, eternal offering, is abolished and made of none 
effect though he is the propitiation and mediation of the New 
Testament, He is thrust from his throne of majesty; his 
merits, cross, blood, and death rejected : yea, all the types and 
shadows of Moses, all predictions of the prophets; the promise 
of angels, and the whole New Testament, are thereby denied, 
for they all harmoniously point to the one and eternal offering 
of Christ ; in opposition to, and instead of it, they ordained an 
unholy, blind, seductive and sensual idolatry, with a piece of 
bread ! Beloved reader, here put no other construction upon 
these words ; what I write is the truth. 

It has come so far with this ungodly seducing corruption, 
that they have arrogated to themselves all power in heaven 
above, upon earth, and in hell below ; they therefore break the 
bread into three pieces. With the first, they reconcile God ; 
with the second, they intercede for the world ; and with the 
third, as they pretend, they pray for the souls in purgatory. 

Through this accursed infamy they rose so high in honor, 



70 OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 

that they are above all the potentates of earth, (Acts 17,) whom 
they made their own servants. By their hypocritical service and 
enchanting idolatry, they hold in possession, money, goods, gold, 
silver, land, rents, cloisters, cities, principalities and the domin- 
ions of this world, because every one loved this splendid service 
as holy and divine, honored and feared their exalted and pom- 
pous names as the messengers of God ! ! 

By this ingenious and subtle magic, the Eoman Antichrist 
has gained such respect and authority, that even the imperial 
majesty, the highest soverignty on earth, whom we are com- 
manded of God to respect and obey, had to humble himself and 
kiss his feet ; yea, what is still worse, Frederick Barbarossa, a 
prudent man, an emperor of renown, could not be reconciled 
with Pope Alexander III. until he humbled himself at Venice, 
before the church, and suffered the Pope to tread upon him with 
his feet 1 

Behold, thus Antichrist has enchanted the whole world with 
his offering. The gracious Father be eternally praised, that he 
has, through his paternal grace delivered us, his poor children, 
from this enchanting offering, and given us to know the only 
and eternal offering of his son, Jesus Christ, who, according to 
the order of Melchisedek, is ordained an eternal high priest over 
the house of God ; who, in the days of his flesh, offered up 
prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears, unto 
him that was able to save from death, and was heard, because 
lie honored God. (Heb. 5, 7, 9, 10.) This one, I say, offered 
an acceptable offering, a sweet smelling sacrifice, of eternal 
worth, whereby he appeases the Father's wrath, reconciles the 
human race, opened heaven, and closed hell ; and made peace 
between heaven and earth ; and sits now, and henceforth, at 
the right hand of his Father, till his enemies be made his foot- 
stool, (Col. 1 ; Ps. 109,) yea, with this one offering, he has per- 
fected forever all those who are sanctified. This cannot be 
gainsayed, whether by emperor or king, doctor or teacher, angel 
or devil. This word stands firmly and immovable. He has 
with one offering, I say with one offering, perfected for ever 
those who are sanctified. (Heb. 10.) 

0, my beloved reader ! I mean all those who are without the 
spirit of Christ and his word, take heed what the word of the 
Lord teaches you, and observe the true doctrine of Christ, the 
true sacraments, the true teachers, the true church and the true 
christian life, so that you may once learn to know what kind of 
pastors feed you ; what kind of baptism and supper you practice ; 
by what kind of offering you are reconciled ; what kind of lives 
you lead, and of whose body you are members. 

how long, says Solomon, will you simple ones love sim- 



OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 71 

plicity? And you scorners delight in scorning? How long 
will you remain prisoners of sin ? How long will you remain in 
the communion of the devil, and suffer yourselves to be dragged 
down to the abyss of hell by the cords of unbelief? Awake, 
and ransom your poor souls ! Come out from among them ! 
Avoid every appearance of evil ; (Isa. 52 ; 2 Cor. 6 ; Kev. 18 ; 
1 Thess. 5 ;) believe in Christ Jesus ; repent and lead an un- 
blamable life ; follow Christ with a sincere heart ; enter into 
the house and covenant of his everlasting peace, into the com- 
munion of his flesh and blood. Take upon you his easy yoke 
and you will find rest for your souls, (Matt. 11,) and you may 
then of a truth say, that you are christians ; that you have ob- 
tained the remission of your sins, by the grace of God, through 
the merits of Christ ; and that you are joint heirs of the eternal 
kingdom. May God grant his grace to you all. Amen. 

In the second place, they made the bread, in the holy supper, 
into the real flesh, and the wine into the real blood of Christ, 
and understood the words of Christ literally : Take, eat, this is 
my body, &c, and did not observe that Christ (John 6) does 
fully instruct us, how we are to eat his flesh and drink his blood, 
and says, that it would profit nothing really to eat his flesh, and 
to drink his blood, for this could not be done, because he was 
about ascending to heaven where he was before ; we are there- 
fore not literally to understand this eating of his flesh, and 
drinking of his blood ; but spiritually, as he himself says : The 
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 
All those who thus understand this from the scriptures, are 
called and accursed as heretics and profaners of the sacrament, 
and suffer for it by water, fire and the sword. 

dear Lord ! is this not an ungodly error, and great blind- 
ness, to teach and to believe ; that a piece of bread, and a drink 
of wine should be changed into the real and essential flesh and 
blood of the son of God, whereby we may be delivered from hell, 
the devil, sin and death, and are made children of grace? 0, 
horrible heresy ! 

you poor, miserable, blind people, believe the words of 
Christ, when he says : It is the spirit that quickeneth ; the 
flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they 
are spirit, and they are life ; believe that he ascended up to 
heaven and is at the right hand of his Father, (Mark 16 ; Luke 
24 ; Rom. 8,) therefore he cannot be eaten nor confined in the 
body by any one, nor is he to be placed upon any altar, nor can 
he be consumed by fire or worms, as it is evidently the case with 
the visible bread and wine. (Col. 2.) 

But where the Lord's church, the beloved disciples of Christ, 
who have met in his name, celebrate the holy supper in true 



72 OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 

faith, love and obedience, there the outward perishable man 
eats perishable bread and wine ; and the inner, the imperishable 
man of the heart, spiritually eats the imperishable flesh and 
blood of Christ, which can neither be eaten nor destroyed, as 
above said ; like is profited by like ; this is incontrovertible. 
The visible man is nourished upon visible food, and the invisible 
man is fed upon invisible bread, as we may plainly learn from 
the mouth of the Lord. (John 6.) 

Therefore, all who are in Christ and with believing, peni- 
tent hearts, know and rely upon the pure offering of the body 
and blood of Christ, that it is the only sacrifice and ablution 
for their sins, the only and eternal medium of grace, eat the 
true flesh and drink the true blood of Christ, not with their 
mouths, but spiritually, by faith, as said before. 

The reader may readily observe from these words, that the 
bread is no flesh, and that the wine is no blood ; for were they 
flesh and blood, as the idolators pretend and teach the poor 
people, one of two consequences must follow : either the per- 
ishable bread and wine are changed into the imperishable and 
heavenly Son of God \ or the Son of God .must be changed 
into bread and wine. This is incontrovertible. 

dear Lord ! they are more ignorant than the heathens 
ever were; true, the heathens worshipped sun, moon and 
stars, which have their influence upon things below. They wor- 
shipped the ox, the dragon, serpents, fire, and other creatures, 
some of which had living breath within them. They also wor- 
shipped images of wood, stone, gold and silver, made by skilful 
workmen, who cast, carved and decorated them in the like- 
ness of man. But those who are called by the name of Christ, 
pray to, worship and adore a piece of bread and a mouthful of 
wine, as the real flesh and blood of Christ, who came from hea- 
ven for our salvation, — and was made an offering upon the 
cross for our sins. intolerable abomination and infamy ! that 
the praise of God, the glory of Jesus Christ is converted and 
changed into such a feeble idol, which can neither speak, hear 
nor see ; neither can stand nor walk, which worms eat and fire 
consumes ; and must be locked up, preserved, assisted, and car- 
ried about by the hands of men, like the idols at Babylon, of 
which Baruch writes. 

my faithful reader, rightly learn to know Christ Jesus. He 
is not like the fabulous Proteus but he is now the everlast- 
ing, almighty Son of the eternal, omnipotent God, and not a 
perishable creature, bread and wine. Oh no ! he is unchange- 
able through all eternity. Neither can he be confined in any 
house, church nor chamber, in silver nor golden vessels ; for, 
according to his eternal divine being, heaven is his throne and 



OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 73 

the earth his footstool, and according to his holy humanity, he 
ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of his Father. 
(Isa. 66; Acts 6, 17; Mark 16; Acts 1; Kom. 8.) He is the 
eternal and almighty power, brightness, word, truth, wisdom 
and image of God. (Heb. 1 ; Matt. 28 ; Eph. 1 ; Phil. 2.) He 
has all power in heaven above and on earth below, all things 
are under him ; every knee has to bow, and every tongue to 
confess to him, that he is the Lord, to the honor and glory of 
his Father, (Matt. 26 ; Rev. 1.) and he will not appear again in 
the flesh, but he will come in the clouds of heaven, to judge the 
goats and sheep. (Matt. 25.) 

Therefore I say again : That he cannot be eaten, nor can he 
be digested in the body of man. Augustine well knew this ; 
when he says : Why do you make ready to eat ? only believe, 
and you have eaten him. 

Beloved reader, we well know, that Augustine did not write 
this of the natural eating of the holy supper ; but of the spiri- 
tual eating, which is by faith ; and with that view, we adduced 
it, so that the godfearing reader might see the difference be- 
tween outward and inward eating, and not mistake the one for 
the other ; for the external use of the sign is nothing but a false 
appearance and hypocrisy, if the thing which is invisibly repre- 
sented, is not connected with it. That this is the case with in- 
fant baptism and the world's supper, may be readily proved 
from the scriptures ; but where the mystery is connected with 
the sign, for which purpose it is ordained, there is the baptism 
of Christ, and his supper, as the scriptures teach. But this is 
hidden from the world. They know that the scriptures teach 
a supper, but what it actually is, what it prefigures and who 
are to enjoy it, they know not. The Babylonian whore Has so 
completely deceived and bewitched them in this matter. 
(Rev. 17.) 

The holy supper, as taught by Christ and his apostles, 
reproves all idolatry ; foreign mediums of reconciliation ; hatred, 
discord and unrighteousness; for it directs alone to the one 
offering of Christ which was made by his flesh and blood, once 
for all, as related ; it represents christian peace, harmony, 
brotherly love, and a pious, unblamable life, as already said. 
For that reason they are forsaking the Lord's word and ordi- 
nances/and have turned away from the Creator to the creature, 
and from the true reality, to the perishable signs ; — yea, they 
call the disgraceful mass, the sacrifice of the Lord ; and the 
bread and wine his real flesh and blood ; for this is the custom 
and manner of the ungodly, because they know not the true 
God, — God of heaven and earth, and hate the true service, and 
are inimicable thereto, believe not his holy and worthy word ; 

7 



74 OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 

in God's stead they have a visible and tangible creature ; and a 
service of their own choice. So did Israel with the golden 
calves, with Baal and Moloch ; and Antioch with his Maosim, 
(god of forces,) (Exod. 31 ; 1 King 12; Jer. 7, 5; Deut. 20; 
Sam. 12,) the Babylonians with their Belus ; the Egyptians 
with their Isis ; &c. From this source, all disgraceful idolatry, 
which is practiced with this abomination, such as carrying 
about the bread, exalting it, praying thereto, offering of incense 
on every occasion to pay it divine honor and divine service. 
Concerning which there is not a letter in all the scriptures. 
Yea, alas ! many esteem it so highly, that they say this is the 
same one who reconciled us upon the cross. Even as Israel 
said to the calf : These be thy gods, Israel, which have 
brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (Exod. 32.) 

Beside this, the use of the cup is withheld from the people in 
the Eoman church. If it were the Lord's supper, as they pre- 
tend, they would, in every respect, use it according to the ordi- 
nance of the Lord. But this custom shows that it is not the 
supper of Christ, but a deluding seduction of anti-christ. 

Therefore, be wise and sober, you who name yourselves after 
the name of Christ. Spew outthewiue which you have drunk 
of Babylonian whoredom. (Kev. 17.) You have danced and 
burned incense long enough to the golden calf. Give the 
Almighty the praises and honor due him ; lest it happen to you 
as it did to faithless, disobedient and idolatrous Israel. (1 Cor. 
10.) Although the Lord God graciously redeemed them from 
the power and tyranny of Pharoah, yet they had to suffer pun- 
ishment on account of their unfaithfulness and obstinacy, and 
were destroyed in the wilderness. (Exod. 14.) And so it is 
also in vain that we are redeemed by the blood of the Lord 
from the dominion and power of the devil, if we do not repent, 
but remain idolators, and believe not in Jesus, and are not obe- 
dient nor live according to his word in our weakness. (Ps. 94; 
Heb. 3, 4.) 

In the third pkce they teach; that this bread is dispensed for 
the remission of sins. My faithful reader, take notice of what 
I write. Where Jesus Christ and his word and spirit, are 
not known and acknowledged, there is nothing but unbelief, 
idolatry, error, and an uncertain wavering conscience, as may be 
seen. 

All seek some remedy for their sins, but the true remedy, 
Christ, they do not acknowledge; hence they have contrived so 
many remedies, that we can neither describe nor relate them 
all ; such as absolution, holy water, fastings, confessions, masses, 
pilgrimages, infant baptism, bread and wine, &c, &c. 

I know not to whom to compare this race, other than to a 



OF THE CORRUPTION OP THE HOLY SUPPER. 75 

sick and wounded person, who has entrusted himself under the 
care of an unskilful physician, who can give him no suitable 
medicines, and apply no healing plasters ; he spends his money 
in vain ; he suffers pain and affliction: and is getting worse 
instead of better. A skilful, experienced and philanthropic 
physician is recommended, who would visit him without money 
and without price, bind up his wounds, and would gladly cure 
him ; but the sick man will not receive such a well-disposed 
physician ! Who then could feel for such a man, because he 
would rather perish than get well ? 

So it is with this perverse race. They feel and are sensible, 
at times, that they are failing and sick, but they seek medicine 
and counsel of those who sicken them still more with their 
poison ; and are not healed of their wounds and cured of their 
disease. (Matt. 9.) They refuse the skilful, the heavenly chi- 
rurgen and physician, Jesus Christ, recommended by ail the 
patriarchs, prophets, apostles and by angels, yea, appointed of 
the Father himself — him they will not have who would willingly 
visit all so deadly wounded ; he offers his services without money 
and without price ; he has a well scented, healing salve, good to 
heal our wounds, — it is his powerful word, to instruct ; and his 
crimson blood, to reconcile, as was said. (Matt. 11 ; John 7 ; 
Luke 10.) But they desire him not ; they turn away, and per- 
secute him with all manner of false doctrine, with contumely, 
with lies, betrayings, mutiny, and murder: as has been fully 
shown. (Luke 19.) dear Lord! counsel thou with this disobe- 
dient, perverse and blind people ? 

My worthy reader, we testify the truth in Christ; beware, 
believe, obey, hope and seek, where and what you desire ; we 
are assured that you will find no other remedy to all eternity, 
for your sins, in the word of God, which can stand before God, 
than the one we pointed out to you, Jesus Christ; else the 
scriptures must be false. 

Thus says Isaiah : I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy trans- 
gressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. 

He was wounded for our transgressions. (Isa. 53.) The 
angel said to Joseph : Thou shalt call him Jesus, for he shall 
save his people from their sins. ( Matt. 1.) 

This is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for 
many, for the remission of sins. ( Matt. 26.) 

Lo this is the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the 
whole world. ( John 1.) 

For he made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we 
might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor. 5.) 

Who, his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree. 
(IPet. 2.) 



76 OF THE CORRUPTION' OF THE HOLY SUPPER. 

The blood of his own son, Jesus Christ cleanses us from all 
sin. ( 1 John 1.) 

He loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood. 
(Acts 1.) 

My good readers, look well to yourselves, and do not deceive 
yourselves ; if there were any other remedy for sin, as related, 
we might then with propriety say, that these and other passages, 
have not rightly directed us ; and holy Paul, also erred not a 
little, when he says : For there is one God, and one Mediator 
between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself 
a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. ( 1 Tim. 2.) 

All those, however holy they may appear, who seek for 
another remedy for their sins, instead of the remedy provided 
by God, deny the Lord's death, which he died for us, and his 
innocent blood which he shed for us ; and they are those of 
whom the Lord complains and says, through his prophet 
Jeremiah : For my people have committed twofold evils, they 
have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewn 
them out cisterns, that can hold no water. 

And all false doctrine goes to deny the true throne of grace, 
Jesus Christ, who alone is our righteousness, acceptable to God ; 
and all the erectings of strange Baals, who are worshipped and 
honored in Christ's stead, do so likewise. 

Behold, beloved sirs, friends and brethren, here you have the 
salutary truth and the only ground of the Lord's supper, plainly 
and briefly set before you, what it is, for whom it is ordained, 
and what it teaches, and represents to us with its mysteries and 
significations. 

And you have also a view of the anti-christian supper, with 
its dreadful abominations, whereby the Lord's supper is de- 
stroyed, and the kingdom of anti-christ is fortified, and is 
placed in the stead of God's throne, whereby, alas ! tens of 
thousands of poor souls were and are yet daily deceived. On 
account of which so many pious are so slanderously spoken of 
and reproached by the learned, and so dreadfully murdered and 
slain in some cities, because they renounced this abominable 
idolatry. 

Place these two beside each other — weigh them well by the 
spirit, word and ordinances of the Lord, and you will find, if 
you do at all believe that the word of God is true, to what an 
abominable pitch idolatry has risen, and that we have accord- 
ing to our feeble abilities, plainly explained to you the im- 
movable foundation of truth out of the word of God. 

Praise the Most High, all of you who fear the Lord, that he 
has manifested his unbounded love and grace to us-ward, poor 
sinners, in this dreadful time of unbelief; that he let shine out 



OF SHUNNING BABYLON. 77 

darkness, the clear light of the holy gospel, which was con- 
cealed for several centuries in this dark Egypt, under the clouds 
of the anti-christian abominations. (2 Cor. 4.) 

Therefore, let us be vigilant thereto, and diligently walk 
therein, so that thick darkness may not again cover us, as the 
prophet says. ( Jer. 13.) 

O my dear reader, rightly learn to know Jesus Christ, 
who ordained this holy supper and breaking of bread for his 
disciples and all christians. Believe the glorious and unspeaka- 
ble gifts of his grace. Fear, love, honor and serve him ; walk 
in godly union, in love and peace with your neighbor, even as 
this supper, with its representation, testifies and admonishes ; 
die to your wicked flesh, crucify its unclean lusts ; in all 
things submit to the spirit of the Lord, and his word ; imitate 
his example, and your supper will redound to the praise of the 
Lord, and it will be a blessing to your souls to eternal life. 



OF SHUNNING BABYLON. 

We further teach and admonish from the word of God, that 
all true children of God, who are regenerated from the incor- 
ruptible living seed of the divine word, who have separated 
themselves, according to the scriptures, from the idolatrous 
race, and yielded to the yoke and cross of Christ, and who are 
able to judge between true and false doctrines — between Christ 
and anti-christ, must shun, according to scripture, all. seducing 
and idolatrous preachers with their doctrines, sacraments and 
worship, (Jer. 23; Matt. 7, 15, 16; John 10; Rom.. 16.) They 
must avoid all, of every sect, creed and name, who are not 
found in the pure doctrine of Christ, and in the scriptural usage 
of his sacraments. ( 1 Tim. 6 ; 2 Tim. 2, 3 ; Tit. 3 ; 2 John 1 ;) 
because they have neither calling, doctrine, nor life, according 
to the word of God, but are sent by anti-christ, and ordained in 
his employment and service. And 

Because they not only fail to observe the pure doctrine of 
Christ, and to conform to the established usages of the apostolic 
church, in relation to the holy sacraments, but to vain con- 
fusion, they add (as has been stated) abominable and open 
idolatry. 

Because they have deceitfully mingled the light froth of man's 
doctrine, with the fair, precious gold of the divine word, and the 
pure wine, with the unclean waters of their foolish wisdom. (Isa. 
1 ; 2 Chron. 25, 26.) 

Because they so shamefully censure, and would willingly root 
1* 



78 OF SHUNNING BABYLON. 

out and destroy the holy city of God, the city of righteousness 
and eternal peace ; the lovely Jerusalem with its sacred temple, 
the house of prayer, and rule therein with their spiritual mart, 
Pharasaic commands, and enchanting traffic. (Isa. 56 ; Jer. 7 ; 
Matt. 21 ; Mark 11 ; Luke 19 ; John 2 ; 2 Pet. 2.) 

Because they, like Belshazzar, in their Babylonian idolatries, 
so miserably misuse and degrade the precious vessels and uten- 
sils of the Lord the precious souls whom he has consecrated 

with his crimson blood, (1 Pet. 1) and by whom the true service 
of the Lord should be performed. (Rev. 1 ; Dan. 5.) 

Because, like Herod, they mock Christ, the eternal Wisdom 
of God, as a fool arrayed in a fool's garment; and his holy 
apostles, the witnesses of eternal truth, they regard as useless 
talkers and liars, and thrust them out with scorn. (Luke 27.) 

In short, they preach and lay before the poor people lies for 
truth ; darkness for light ; death for life ; and Anti-christ for 
Christ. 

Therefore it is unfit that the bride of Christ, who stands pre- 
pared to hear only the bridegroom's voice — the dear children 
of God who have their feet washed and their garments cleansed 
in the blood of the Lamb, (John 3, 13; Rev. 7.) who are es- 
tablished upon the immoveable foundations of the apostles and 
prophets, upon the precious corner stone, Christ Jesus, (Eph. 
2,) should again hear the strange voice and doctrines of anti- 
christ, and again defile their garments, (John 10,) and in faith, 
doctrines, worship, and life accord with anti-christ. They who 
do so, (if they repent not) are condemned by the scriptures and 
adjudged to death, (2 Pet. 2 ; Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 3; Rev. 
31, 22.) 

This we teach according to our limited talents, with all earnest- 
ness, not out of contempt, (as the Lord knows,) nor yet out of 
obstinancy, caprice, or party stubbornness, as the world ascribes 
to us. Oh no ! God preserve all his own from party spirit. But 
we so preach out of the pure fear of the Lord and the great dis- 
tress and burthen of our consciences. God's pressing word, and 
love for your poor souls, urge us, (Gal. 5,) as may, through the 
grace of God, be seen with clearness hereafter. 



OF THE SENDING OF PREACHEES. 

According to the scriptures, the sending of true preachers 
was performed in two ways : some were called by God alone, 
without any human instrumentality, as was the case with the 
prophets and apostles. Others were called through the medium 



OF THE SENDING OF PREACHERS. 79 

of the pious, as may be seen from Acts 1, 14 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Tit. I. 
We hope no one will be so ignorant (who is otherwise of a 
candid and rational mind,) but that he will know that the whole 
scriptures ; both of the Old and New Testaments, were written for 
our instruction, admonition and correction ; and that they are 
the true sceptre and rule by which the Lord's kingdom, house, 
church and congregation must be governed and adjusted, (Rom, 
15; 1 Cor. 10; 2 Tim. 3; Ps. 44; Heb. 1 ; Rev. 21.) Every 
thing, whether it be doctrines, sacraments, worship or conduct, 
which should be measured by this infallible rule, and divine 
justifying sceptre, without any respect to persons, if not so 
measured and adjusted, will be destroyed and brought to 
nothing. Therefore would we, your willing servants and asso- 
ciates, of like mortal nature with you, each one in the office 
and station to which he is called, humbly admonish you, in all 
love, that you would reflect on the salvation of your immortal 
souls, and would rightly examine the sending or calling, the 
doctrine and lives of the bishops, pastors and preachers of your 
churches. Examine them by the aid of the spirit of the Lord and 
by the doctrines and customs of the apostles, because you have 
persecuted and destroyed so many pious, godly christians, by the 
idols' houses of the ungodly, which are supported by the bloody 
havoc-cries of the learned. Yea, we doubt not, but that if you 
follow our advice with a sincere heart, you will soon perceive, 
that we, miserable men, do nothing more in this matter, than 
God's own word teaches and enjoins ; and that your preachers 
are not the servants of Christ, but hirelings, hypocrites, deceivers 
and mockers, concerning whom the scriptures warn us, on every 
side, and represent them under many evil names. (John 10 ; 
Matt. 29; 2 Pet. 3 ; Jude 6.) 

Candid reader ! let this be to you a true and unwavering rule : 
All who rightly preach Christ and his word, and thereby bring 
forth obedient children to the Lord. (Rom. 10,) such must have 
been called through one of the aforementioned means. They 
must have been brought into the vineyard of the Lord, through 
unfeigned love of God and man — through the power of the 
Holy Ghost. They must improve the talent of grace which 
they have received from God, (Matt. 9 ; Luke 10.) They must 
rebuke sin, and teach faith and righteousness, without any res- 
pect to persons, (Matt. 25 ; Luke 19,) they must set forth the 
Lord's word and praise : they must perform correctly the work 
and service of the Lord and bring the gathered sheaves into his 
barn and acquired wealth into his treasury. Such a shepherd 
was the faithful Moses ; for when the Lord informed him that 
Israel had made a molten calf, he hastened from the mountains, 
and when he heard the tumult and saw the multitude sporting, 



80 OF THE SENDING OF PREACHERS. 

and dancing, a provoked zeal burned in his heart, so that he cast 
down and brake the stone tables which the Lord had written 
with his own finger. He cared neither for life nor death, but 
rushed forth among the idolatrous people, and rebuked them by 
word and by sword, because they gave to a molten creature the 
honor of Almighty God, who with such love gloriously effected 
their deliverance from Egypt. (Exod. 32.) 

When Zacharias, the son of Barachias, a man full of the 
Holy Ghost, saw the false worship of the people, he hazarded 
his life, and stood forth for the honor of the Lord. He rebuked 
his brethren — erring Israel, and said : Why transgress ye the 
commandment of the Lord that ye cannot prosper. (2 Ohron. 24.) 

Also the worthy prophet, Jeremiah, was burthened with suf- 
fering and cares. He was much troubled on account of his 
faithful services, and had determined in his heart to prophecy 
no more in the Lord ; but when he saw the people were ungodly 
nor acted nor spoke aright, he said, God's word was in my heart 
as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with for- 
bearing and I could not stay. (Jer. 20.) 

Again, also holy Paul says : (1 Cor. 9.) Wo is unto me, if I 
preach not the gospel ; For if I do this thing willingly, I have a 
reward ; but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is 
committed unto me. 

Behold, my good reader, all, who by such a power are touched 
in their hearts, who are moved by the Holy Ghost, who are 
pressed by love to God and man, and urged by the Lord himself, 
or by his spotless christian church, are rightly called to the 
service of the Lord — to instruct, admonish, threaten, correct and 
comfort the house of God, the church of Christ, with sound 
doctrine and an unblamable life ; to set forth and administer the 
Lord's holy baptism and supper, in a right manner ; to repel 
diligently, with God's word, all deluding and false teachers to 
exclude all evil members from the communion of the godly, &c. 
To such, the word of Christ, is, I send you as my father has sent 
me ; (John 20 ;) without such a sending, no one can ever rightly 
preach the gospel, as Paul says : How can they preach except 
they be sent. (Rom. 10.) 

Yes, it was with this sending and calling that all prophets, 
apostles and servants of God came forth. They sought not 
their own honor, as the preachers of this world do ; but like 
Aaron, they were called by God, or, as has been said, by the 
spotless church. They were brought by the spirit of God, with 
pious hearts, into his service ; they had always esteemed them- 
selves unfit to serve the people of God, or stand forth in such a 
high and responsible station. (Heb. 5 ; Acts 1, 14 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; 
Tit. 1.) 



OF THE SENDING OF PREACHERS. 81 

When Moses was called of the* Lord, that he might lead out 
the people, he refused from his heart — he excused himself and 
declined, because he was of a slow tongue ; he desired not the 
office to which the Lord had chosen him — yea, he resisted so 
long that the Lord was angry. (Exod. 4.) 

Isaiah was confounded because he was to preach the word 
of the Lord. He lamented that he was of unclean lips till 
the angel purged them with a coal from off the holy altar, 
(lsa. 6.) 

Jeremiah was called and prepared from his birth by God, to 
be a prophet ; he said : Ah Lord God ! I am not fit to preach, 
for I am but a child. ( Jer. 1.) * 

Peter was asked by the Lord three times, if he loved him, 
before he gave him charge of his sheep. (John 21.) 

Paul was called from heaven, and appointed by the Lord him- 
self in the service of the Gospel ; for the Lord chose him as 
suitable for the ministry. (1 Tim. 1 ; Acts 9 ; Gal. 1.) Mat- 
thias was chosen through the zealous prayers of the church, 
and the lots of the apostles, to be an apostle in Juda's stead. 
(Acts 1.) 

All who are not sent by God, nor by an unblamable church, 
conformably to the regulations of Christ and the apostles are 
not called, (as above said.) Such are not called by the Holy 
Ghost, by the sincere love of God and their brethren, and with 
correct knowledge and zeal for the divine word, but they enter 
upon it with a temporal, sensual life, seeking man's favor, praise, 
money and profit. They will never gather fruit in the vineyard 
of the Lord, though they may be learned in language, eloquent 
and esteemed as great and excellent men, But all that they 
attempt is lost labor. They will rise early, and go out long, but 
their calling is powerless, their service is vain, their labor with- 
out fruit, yea, it is nothing but seeding by the way, and beating 
against the wind ; for no one can serve in this high and holy 
office, conformably to God's will, except those whom the Lord of 
the vineyard has made worthy and fit, by the spirit of his 
grace. 

Since then, this sending is the true sending and calling, which 
is taught in the scriptures, (as has been observed,) we faithfully 
counsel the reader, that in the pure fear of God, he would mark 
what kind of people their teachers are ; how, of whom, in what 
way, and to what they are called. For it is manifest that some 
of them are useless, haughty, lustful men ; some are avaricious, 
usurers, liars, deceivers, idolators, &e., concerning whom it stands 
written : If they repent not, they shall not inherit the kingdom 
of God. (Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph 5.) Some also, are 
idle profligates, young and haughty, wholly unlearned in the 



82 OF THE SENDING OF PREACHERS. 

scriptures ; and were anointed by anti-christ, when they obtain 
a little knowledge of the Latin tongue, like as if the* qualifi- 
cations for the ministry and for the care of our souls, were not 
to be founded upon godliness and the gifts of grace, but upon 
language ! Oh no, my reader, no, their foundation must be 
sought for more deeply. 

Besides, this, those so chosen, desire nothing but an indolent, 
carnal life and filthy lucre and benefices, which heretofore anti- 
christ and his servants have collected together and multiplied 
by means of sorcery, theft and robbery. 

They are only called by carnal love, favor and faction : one 
has a son, another a brother, a third a friend, a fourth is made 
willing by money and gifts. 

They are also with a similar spirit installed and established in 
their office ; to wit : With eating, drinking gormandizing and 
luxury ; with pompous greeting choir letters, appellations, pre- 
sentations, investitures, and such like antichristian titles. But 
by whom are they thus called? By the church ? No. Christ's 
church knows no such callings, customs, practices and teachers, 
but they are called by the assemblies of the impenitent, the 
haughty, avaricious and unchaste, by gamblers, drunkards and 
idolators, who neither know God nor his word, but who abuse, 
persecute and hate all christian truth and walk after the lusts 
of the flesh. 

Again, to what are they called ? That they may genuinely 
preach the word of God ? That they may go before the poor 
people, with doctrines and conduct consistent with the com- 
mands of scripture ? no : but that they may teach the doc- 
trines and commandments of men : that they may withstand the 
holy truth, and betray the pious and godly, who refrain from the 
broadway, into the hands of the blood-thirsty. 

But, beloved reader, why shall I much lament ; it is yet much 
worse than can be written. One blind man calls another : one 
idolator another ; one ungodly man, another. It is, as the prophet 
said, deceivers, liars, drunkards, and gluttons are good prophets 
for this people. (Mich. 2.) 

O sensual preacher ! You who with Korah, Dathan, and 
Abiram, (Num. 16) ran uncalled — particularly you who know 
that your calling and conduct are not of the word and spirit of 
God, judge your hearts by the word of the Lord, fear his rigid 
punishment and severe sentence, and reflect how the afore- 
mentioned persons, for the same reason, were fearfully destroyed 
by the Lord before all Israel. (Num. 16.) 

It suits perverted fleshly ease to live in voluptuousness here 
upon earth, with fattened bodies — with gloves on the hands, with 
ostentatious show — to be greeted by men as doctor, lord and 



OF THE SENDING OF PREACHERS. 83 

and master. (Luke 16.) But when the messenger of death shall 
knock at the door of your souls and say, " give an account," you 
will no longer remain as stewards and hirelings. When you 
must appear before the throne of the eternal Majesty, (Eom. 
14,) and the poor miserable souls which you have misled with 
your false and deceiving doctrine, idolatries, sorceries, and 
ungodly wanton lives, shall be required at your hands. where 
then shall you conceal yourselves from the wrath of God ? Then 
shall ye cry, ye mountains fall upon us, and ye hills cover us. 
(Rev, 16.) then you will know what kind of calling ye had ; 
what kind of life you led, that ye served no other God than your 
belly, the devil, and your selfish evil flesh, (Phil. 3 ; Jer. 14, 27, 
29 ; Ezek. 34,) that you ran unsent and came uncalled, that you 
sought nothing but the milk, wool and flesh of the sheep, (Matt. 
15) and that one blind man has led another, till both have fallen 
into the abyss of the eternal wrath of Almighty God — into the 
torments of hell. (Luke 6.) 

precious souls ! waken up and fear God, for the hour draws 
near that this your momentary laugh will be changed into an 
eternal wail, (James 5,) these short lived joys to eternal pain, 
and this easy carnal life to death and endless wo. Jude says : 
Wo to them ! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran 
greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in 
the gainsaying of Core. Again, to them is reserved the blackness 
of darkness. (2 Pet. 2 ; Jude 1) 

Behold, beloved sirs, friends and brethren, we openly declare, 
that the sending and calling of your preachers are neither of 
God nor his word, but are from anti-christ, the dragon and the 
beast. (Rev. 13.) That they are not called to preach the word 
of the Lord, by the spirit of God, and the church, but they are 
called and urged by their lusts with the priests of Jeroboam, to 
worship the golden calf. (1 Chron. 12.) They enter not in by 
the right door, therefore, we testify from the scriptures that they 
are thieves and robbers. (John 10.) 

Since then, we have been saved out of the mouths of the 
lions and bears of the pit, (Heb. 13 ; 1 Kings 17) and out of the 
snares of concealed thieves and robbers, through the great 
Shepherd of the Sheep — the High Priest of our souls, Christ 
Jesus, and are now upon the chosen and fruitful mountain of 
Israel, (Ezek. 34) and the green luxuriant pastures of the holy 
wprd (the Lord be eternally thanked) our hungering consciences 
have been fed with the food of eternal life, it must ever be, a 
condemnable folly to forsake such a true shepherd, and such 
precious pastures, and again enter upon the barren and waste 
heaths, under the false shepherd who do nothing else but rob 
and deprive God of his glory, and ruin and murder our poor 
miserable souls. (John 10.) 



84 OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 

This I have said particularly in relation to the Popish 
Priests : But what is the calling and sending of the Lutherans 
and Zuinglians. By what spirit are they moved ? what do they 
seek ? and what fruits of repentance do they show by their doc- 
trines and sacraments ? We willingly leave all the godly to 
judge. 



OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE 
PREACHERS. 

As I have presented to the reader, the first part in relation to 
the sending and calling of a true preacher, according to the 
word of God, — I will now, through the grace of God, present 
in like manner the second part, relating the doctrine ; for there 
is but little difference between their calling and their doctrine 
— as the calling is, even so, most commonly, is the doctrine. 

Where God's spirit urges or moves to preach, there will the 
word be genuinely taught in the power of God, and upright 
children of the spirit will thereby be born. But where flesh and 
blood calls, there will a fleshly doctrine be taught and carnal 
disciples will be made, for that, like produces is like, incontrovert- 
ible. I deem it unnecessary here to prove this with much 
scripture, for actions bear testimony. 

The scriptures show plainly how a rightly called preacher of 
God's word is to genuinely teach that word without perverting 
glosses, — without any mingling of leaven ; as Peter says : If 
any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God. (1 Peter 
4.) They are the children of the Holy Ghost who speak the 
word of the Spirit, as Christ said : For it is not ye that speak, 
but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matt. 10.) 
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God. (John 
3.) It is the highest and heaviest command enjoined by Christ 
to preach the word salutarily and unblamably. He said : Go 
in all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 
16.) 

The Gospel, the unmingled words of God, preached in the 
power of the spirit, is the only right, true seed, out of which 
believers, obedient children of God, are born. 

Therefore may nothing else be preached in Christ's kingdom 
and house — the church, except her king and husband's own 
commands and words, according to which she and all her ser- 
vants must conform. 

The same command and word (I say) all Christ's true mes- 
sengers preached, as he spoke : Preach the gospel, (Mark 16) 



OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 85 

and teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have 'com- 
manded you. (Matt. 28.) 

My faithful reader, observe, all the true servants of God, both 
of the Old and New Testament, they taught nothing but God's 
word, as may be seen and read in many places in the scriptures. 

Moses is found faithful of God in all his house. He regulated 
and taught nothing which God had not before commanded him. 
(Heb. 3 ; Num. 12.) 

Isaiah, and all the other prophets, testified in many places 
what kind of doctrine they taught, and from whom they had re- 
ceived it. They said : Thus saith the Lord your god, who brought 
you out of the land of Egypt : Thus spake the Lord of Hosts : 
Again the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. (Isa. 40, 42 ; Jer. 
9, 11; Ezek. 4, 7.) Paul dare not speak of any thing which 
Christ had not wrought through him. (Rom. 15.) Yea, Christ 
himself did not teach his word, but the word of his father, 
(John* 7,) as he said, my doctrine is not mine, but is of him who 
sent me : All that I have heard of my Father, that have I de- 
clared unto you. (John 15.) Since then the true messengers of 
God, taught nothing but the Lord's word, which is the only doc- 
trine from which our souls can obtain eternal life, as the Lord 
said. (Deut. 6 ; Matt. 4 ; Luke 4.) So it is easily here to mark 
and to judge what kind of teachers they are who direct the poor 
uncultivated people to legends, histories and fables ; to holy- 
days, images, tapers and palms ; to confessions, pilgrimages, 
masses and matins ; who teach of purgatory, vigils, times, bulls, 
offerings, and satisfactions for souls and sins, who also make a 
piece of bread and a drink of wine, to be the essential body and 
blood of Christ. Who teach and say that when they have but 
spoken these words, " Hoc est corpus meum" (this is my body) 
the Lord, willing or not willing, must descend into their idola- 
trous hands, even though the Heavens should rend assunder, 
and the earth crumble down ! blasphemy ! 

dear Lord ! my heart trembles in my body that I must 
relate and mention such terible abominations. But because the 
simple plain people, who cannot guard themselves against these 
deceivers, are born with blind eyes and the hands and feet of 
their conscience bound, by these useless men, down to eternal 
death, and the gulf of hell ; so that I cannot remain silent, but 
must disclose this, through undissembled love to God and your 
souls. Who knows but that God may giYe grace that you may 
be prevailed upon to hear, your eyes opened to see, and your 
hearts to understand, — that you may be freed from the snares 
of the devil, whereby you are taken. (2 Tim. 1.) 

Yes, my dear reader, they have made lords, princes, and the 
world drunk by their cup, (Rev. 17,) and have completely be- 

8 



86 OF THE DOCTRINE OP THE PREACHERS. 

witched them, so that all who turn from their shame', and would 
not pervert the honor of their Savior, by a piece of bread— all 
who shun false teachers, and desire the salutary administration 
of the Lord's supper, as above said, will be upbraided by all 
men, as profaners of the holy sacrament, and as degraded, cursed 
heretics, they must suffer and take to flight. 

blind leader ! you, who throughout your life have not rightly 
understood one sentence of the Lord's word, nor have received 
one ray from his spirit, but have trodden the kingdom of God 
with your feet, and have thrust it from you with your horns. 
(Ezek. 34.) How truly are you associates of those of whom it 
stands written, that they say : We have made a covenant with 
death, and with hell we are at agreement ; when the overflow- 
ing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us ; for 
we have lies for our refuge, and under falsehood have we hidden 
ourselves : (Isa. 28) again ; Wo unto them who call evil good, 
and good evil ; that put light for darkness, and darkness for 
light. (Isa. 5.) Wo unto you, for ye shut up the kingdom of 
Heaven unto men, said Christ, (Matt. 23,) and make the poor 
souls to err from the way. Yet again : Wo unto you ! (Deut. 24.) 

However, I am not much astonished that such persons teach 
such shameful doctrine, since they have known neither Christ 
nor his word, but they hold and teach all things as they were 
taught from youth up, out of the old usages, and the papistical 
laws. But that which grieves me most, is, that those also who 
now are aware in part of the hidden whoredom of the Babylonian 
woman, and have put from them some of her abominations, yet 
cling to human sophistry, so that they cannot be moved nor 
taught, either with the powerful word of God, or with the un- 
blamable lives, the candid professions, or the innocent blood of 
so many godly saints. Nevertheless, some of you, have, at times, 
to yield to the truth with stopped mouths and subdued hearts, 
but still ye cease not to upraid and defame, with envious tongues 
and slanderous lips, the bright, clear truth of Christ, and the 
pious children of God, before your fleshly, blind churches which 
are of like calling with yourselves. This also your writers do 
as may be seen and heard every where. Besides, I fear that 
they are not less guilty than the papists in moving the lords, 
princes and ruling powers, by commissions, complaints, outcries 
and writings, to persecute the Lamb of God, and his chosen, 
(Rev. 17) and to uproar, when their deceiving leaven, particu- 
larly the calf worship of their infant baptism, and their 
unfounded supper, is rejected. Let each one behold for himself 
and learn to know them rightly. I know of a truth that they 
are without the spirit, the sending, or the word of Christ ; for I 
am sensible how malicious they are for most part against all 



OP THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 87 

who are rightly led — who fear the Lord from the heart and 
would gladly become christians. In their doctrines and deeds 
they seek, not less than the papists, for human friendship, honor, 
or pride, rest, handsome houses, and an easy licentious life. 

O my beloved reader, these are not the teachers who lead 
many to righteousness, and who shall shine as the light of 
heaven, and as the stars now and in eternity. (Dan. 12.) For I 
know not where a single congregation shall be found which they 
have led with their doctrines and conduct to repenting lives, 
and to the worship of God. Their great clamor is against the 
pope and his cardinals, bishops, priests and monks. All must 
be upbraided by them, as profaners of the sacraments, anabap- 
tists, fanatics, and heretics, who through the word of God, 
reprove their deceiving doctrines, idolatrous sacraments, idle 
lives, and who would gladly see the best of their poor souls. 

Yea, when they can find but one, (though cut off) who was 
before united with the pople of God, but who has now fallen into 
some vice, they judge and sentence all the godly by this one; 
"Behold !" say they, " what manner of people they are." They 
seek nothing so much as to find cause of censure ; therefore, 
they look upon Judas, but not upon Peter, Andrew and John. 
But they do not regard what manner of people they are them- 
selves ; and what kind of disciples they have. 

Besides, their coveteous, haughty, proud, drunken, impure 
and impenitent church, preachers and boasts, nothing but pure 
grace, favor, mercy, and love of God. They observe not that 
the whole scriptures testify that such shall not inherit the king- 
dom of God. They strengthen also the hands of the wicked, 
so that no man repents himself of his wickedness, as the prophet 
lamented. 

ye useless unprofitable teachers, who think that you bear 
the vessels of the Lord — these my words are to you ! Why do 
you declaim so much of faith and love, whose fruit you so greatly 
hate and dislike. (Jer. 25.) Have you the sincere and unfeigned 
fear and love of God ? So let them appear and be made mani- 
fest through your words. (James 2.) Say, beloved preachers ! 
Where is your christian humility, your godly, christian zeal, 
pleasure, peace and joy in Christ Jesus ? 

Where is your mercy which you shew ? Where are the naked 
whom you have clothed, the hungry whom you have fed, and the 
needy whom you have entertained ? (Matt. 25.) Where is the lost 
whom you have again sought, the wounded whom you have 
bound up, and the sick whom you have healed ? (Ezek. 34.) 
Where is your unblamable, pious life which is from God ? That 
which you preach, perform and do, is for the most part idle 
hypocrisy. 



88 OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 

Some of you approve in some degree, a godly, christian life,' 
preach also much of Christ, of his merits, spirit, and grace, and 
are yourselves, manifestly those who lead a gross, sensual life, 
who crucify Christ anew, and grieve his spirit and dispise his 
grace, as may be seen. 

preachers, preachers ! how aptly has the Holy Ghost likened 
you to dry wells and empty clouds from which no water can be 
obtained, and to fruitless trees from which no fruit can be taken. 
(2 Pet. 2.) I know not to what you maybe more suitably com- 
pared, than to a woman who lives in all manner of shame and 
wantonness, and yet talks much about modesty, decency and 
virtue ; should not her words be regarded as mockery ? Might 
it not be said, why do you talk of modesty and chastity, since 
you, yourself are full of all manner of immodesty and shame. 

We are well aware that you have in part demolished the little 
gods of Babylon, such as the Roman indulgences, the invocations 
of departed saints, unclean purification, abstaining from meats, 
and the like idolatry and other superstitions but the horrible 
blasphemy and abominations are still retained ; such as accursed 
unbelief, the headstrong obstinacy, the earthly mind, the unscrip- 
tural infant baptism, the idolatrous supper, and the impenitent 
old life which is of the flesh. 

Therefore, we testify with the truth and declare that you are 
not ambassadors of God nor teachers of Christ. For it is plain 
that you reject the word and ordinances of the Lord, and run of 
yourselves, (Jer. 8, 23 ; John 10 ; Ezek. 34,) and have pastured 
yourselves under the name and appearance of the evangelical 
shepherds of the Lord, and have led to destruction so many 
hundred thousand souls, through your wanton doctrine, idolatrous 
sacraments and carnal lives. 

But the teachers who are sent of God, and who have been 
rightly called, teach God's word genuinely, they abide in its holy 
ordinances, live (after their weakness) unblamably, for they are 
born of God, and are taught and moved by his holy spirit, they 
seek neither gold, nor possessions, neither an easy life nor 
earthly applause — they wait upon their enjoined duties with all 
earnestness — they fear God from the heart, seek their neigh- 
bour with fidelity ; they are armed with the weapons of righteous- 
ness, on the right hand and on the left. (Acts 3 ; 1 Thes. 
2 ; Gal. 1.) They deal without respect to persons. (2 Cor. 6.) 
The powerful, sharp sword of the divine word cuts out of their 
mouth (Luke 12) ; it is a shining lantern in their hands ; they 
are taught in righteousness, are full of all spiritual wisdom ; 
(Jer. 15) they divide the good from the evil ; the holy from the 
unholy, and the clean from the unclean. In short, they shine in 
doctrine and conduct, even as from the beginning till the present 



OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE PREACHERS. 89 

time, it has been written and remarked of all true prophets, 
apostles and servants of God. (Matt. 5) 

dear Lord, how lovely are those pastors and teachers who 
seek nothing else but to extend the kingdom of God ; who preach 
rightly the word of repentance and grace, that they may win 
many souls ; and for this end, they expose their name, repu- 
tation, houses, property, persons and lives. 

These are they, who, with Christ, the chief shepherd, gather 
together and feed his lambs; but the others are those who 
scatter and destroy them. They are prophets, — but not of God — 
they preach, but not out of the Lord's mouth. They strengthen 
the hands of the ungodly. They destroy the souls who should 
have eternal life, and encourage those who must forever die ; 
and this they do for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread. 
(Jer. 23 ; Ezek. 13.) They preach to the people peace when 
there is no peace. Therefore, shall they stand in shame, who 
follow such abominations, though they yet are not ashamed and 
yet forbear to blush. (Jer. 8.) 

Behold, dear reader, since they so shamefully deprive Christ 
of his honor and gain, and scatter his sheep, (John 10,) and, 
with the sword of their deceiving doctrines, destroy the poor 
souls who are so greatly loved by the Lord — whom he so ear- 
nestly seeks for, and whom he so dearly purchased. And since 
they so enviously war against the word and ordinances of the 
Lord, we say and teach with Christ : Let them alone, they be 
blind, leaders of the blind. (Matt. 15.) Guard yourselves 
against such false prophets; for though they come in the 
appearance of sheep, they are nevertheless, inwardly ravening 
wolves. They are the strangers whose voice Christ's sheep 
know not. (Matt. 7 ; John 10.) They are those of whom Paul 
warns us and says : Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them 
which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine 
which you have learned, and avoid them ; for they are such as 
serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly and by 
good words and fair speeches, deceive the heart of the simple* 
(Rom. 16.) 

Again : John says, whoever transgresseth and abideth not in 
the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. If there come any unto 
you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, 
neither bid him God speed : For he that biddeth him God speed, 
is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1.) 

The word of God abundantly warns us that, we leave such 
and beware of them. Shun their voice and retreat from them, 
and that we should not take them into our houses, (as has been 
said.) If we are Christ's sheep and the children of the Holy 
Spirit ; so must we even hear Christ's voice, and follow after 

8* 



90 OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

and obey the monitions of the Holy Ghost. Reflect how sincerely 
holy Paul admonished the Philippians, that they should guard 
themselves from the evil doer and the concision. He taught the 
true servants of God that they should shun those, who failed no 
further (as it appears) than only, that they out of zeal without 
knowledge, held fast to circumcision, which they had received 
from their fathers, and would not admit that it should be abolished 
through Christ. How much more earnestly it becomes us to 
beware of them, who have deceived the whole world, who upbraid 
and persecute the godly and fight against truth; of all false 
teachers and blasphemers of God, who urge, set up, and permit 
idolatrous and abominable doctrine, 



OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

As you have just heard the ground of the calling and doc- 
trines of the preachers, we will proceed, and through the grace 
of God point out by the scriptures how the true apostles, 
bishops, teachers and pastors, in the church of Christ, should 
conduct themselves in their deportment and lives ; for it is not 
enough that a man appears to speak much of the word of the 
Lord, but what he says must also be maintained by a devout 
and unblamable conduct, as the scriptures teach. 

Thus says Paul : But I keep under my body, and bring it into 
subjection ; lest that by any means, when I have preached to 
others, I myself should be a cast-away. (1 Cor. 9.) If it becomes 
the hearers and disciples to lead an unblamable life, how much 
more does it become teachers, because they rule the hearers 
and are their overseers. (Eph. 3 ; Phil. 2.) As Paul says : 
Remember them who have the rule over you, who have spoken 
unto you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the 
end of their conversation. (Heb. 13.) 

He also admonishes Timothy thereto, and says : Let no man 
despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in 
word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 
Tim 4.) But in all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works; 
in doctrine, shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, &c. (Tit. 
2.) For it is undoubtedly proper, if any one teaches and reproves 
others, that he first himself be rightly taught and unblamable, as 
Paul teaches : If a man desire the office of a bishop he desireth 
a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband 
of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hos- 
pitality, apt to teach ; not given to wine, not greedy of filthy lucre ; 
but patient, not a brawler, not covetous ; one that rnleth well 



OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 91 

his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity : 
for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he 
take care of the church of God ? Not a novice, lest being lifted 
up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. More- 
over, he must have a good report of them who are without ; 
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil, he must be 
sober, just, holy, temperate ; holding fast the faithful word, as he 
has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine, both 
to exhort and to convince the gainsayers ; even so must their 
wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things, (i 
Tim. 3 ; Tit. 1.) 

Behold dear reader, it is requisite that every preacher and 
teacher, who would rightly govern and rule in the church of God 
be thus qualified; for if any one were to reprove and teach 
others, and is himself not blameless and is ignorant ; he will 
justiy have to hear : Why do you teach others and teach not 
yourself first ! Thou teachest a man should not steal, and thou 
dost steal. Thou sayest a man should not commit adultery, and 
thou dost. Thou abhorrest idols, yet thou committest sacrilege. 
Thou boastest of the law of God ; and dishonorest God by break- 
ing the law! (Rom. 2.) 

All those thus called, who are in doctrine sound, and unblama- 
ble in life, may teach, exhort, reprove, root up, and build up in 
the name of the Lord ; their labors will not be fruitless, as may 
be seen, in the case of Moses, Samuel, Elias, Elisha, Isaiah, 
Jeremiah, Peter Paul, John, and with all the true prophets, 
apostles and servants of God, who preached the word unblama- 
bly in the power of the spirit. 

Their doctrine cuts like a sharp edged sword, for it has power, 
it is fruitful, has spirit and energy, as the prophet says : For as 
the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth 
not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth 
and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the 
eater, so shall my word be, that goeth out of my mouth : it 
shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that 
which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing where I sent 
it. (Isa. 55.) 

Yea, all those who enter the vineyard of the Lord being so 
sent, called, with such a spirit, with such a doctrine and life, as 
said ; are the shepherds of whom it is written : And I will 
give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you 
with knowledge and understanding. (Jer. 3.) 

They are the teachers who turn many to righteousness ; and 
they shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, as the stars 
forever. (Dan. 12.) 

They are the spiritual streams, and the rivers of the paradise 



92 OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

of Christ, which issue from the fountains of the paradise of God, 
to irrigate and fertilize the whole country. (Gen. 2.) 

They are the spiritual posts and pillars in the court of the 
tabernacle with hangings of fine twined white silk. (Ex. 27.) 

They are three score valiant men, of the valiant of Israel, 
who are around Solomon's bed ; they all hold swords ; being 
expert in war : every man with his sword upon his thigh, because 
of fear in the night. (Cant. 3.) 

They are the seven horns or trumpets, of the golden years, 
before whose sounds, (their teaching and preaching,) the walls 
of Jericho fall, that is, all false doctrine, all powers and domin- 
ions raised up against the true Joshua, Jesus Christ, and his 
people, are brought low. (Josh. 6.) 

They are the beautiful messengers of peace, who preach the 
gospel of peace, mercy and grace, and bring glad tidings of good 
things, to us, poor, miserable, troubled sinners. (Isaiah. 52 ; 
Kom. 10.) 

They are seven mighty mountains, whereupon grow roses and 
lilies, whose sweet scent refreshes with joy all who fear the 
Lord. (2 Ez. 2.) 

They are the splendid crown of twelve stars of the woman 
big, and in travail. (Rev. 12.) 

They are the walls of the new and heavenly Jerusalem, based 
upon the twelve foundations, that is upon the ground and doctrine 
of the twelve apostle. (Rev. 2.) 

See, worthy reader, with such and similar glorious images 
and parables, are all the pious pastors and teachers honored in 
the scriptures, whom the Holy Ghost has ordained as bishops 
and overseers in his church, congregation and house. 

These may say with holy Paul : Follow us as we are the fol- 
lowers of Christ for our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of 
uncleanness, nor in guile, but as we were allowed of God to be 
put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak ; not as pleasing 
men, but God, who trieth our hearts ; for neither at any time, 
used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetous- 
ness ; God is witness. Nor of men sought we glory. (Thess. 2.) 

I repeat it : These are they who gather with Christ what has 
been scattered, bind up the wounded, and heal the sick, (Ezek. 
34,) for they are influenced by the spirit of the Lord and urged 
by unfeigned love. (Luke 11.) They are vigilant, and are assidu- 
ous in the discharge of entrusted duties. They fight daily 
with the weapon of obedience. (Jer. 1.) They tear down and 
break and destroy all that which is against the word of God, 
not by external power, with sword and spear, but by the preach- 
ing of the holy word, in power and spirit — with the word of the 
Lord. They till, sow, water and plant, (Cor. 3 ; John 4.) They 



OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 93 

cut down what is ripe. They gather their grain and sheaves, 
and carry them into the Lord's barn, and their fruits will abide 
unto eternal life. (John 15.) 

Since the scriptures require such teachers, as said, it is then 
indispensable, that we weigh the conduct of your preachers in 
the balance, and determine their actions before your eyes, by 
the plummet of the divine word, that you may discover how much 
they s are wanting of the pattern of the true bishops, preachers and 
pastors, spoken of by Paul to Timothy and Titus, in all their 
lives and actions; and that they are the very reverse, who, 
without spirit, word, work or truth, but in semblance only, are 
so called of the world. 

It is manifest, beloved reader, that they changed the meek 
office of a true bishop, preacher and pastor, which is an office 
of christian service, and if rightly attended to, is an office full of 
trouble, care, reproach, misery, tribulation, cross and affliction, 
into ungodly gorgeousness and princely glory, so that they are 
greatly respected and feared, of those whose names 'are not 
written in heaven, because they appear in such splendid robes 
and are dressed in such shining garbs, (Rev. 13, 17,) and are 
called by pompous names, and use in their services, ointments, 
palms, caps, togas, unclean purifications, and have cloisters, 
chapels, bells, organs, music, masses, offerings, &c. of which 
there is not a word to be found in scriptures. By their splendid 
trappings, we know and see the covered, slily, croaching wolf, 
the earthly, sensual mind, the antichristian seductions and bloody 
abominations ; for they seek nothing but the the favour of men, 
honor, splendor, venery, idleness, self, gold, silver, gluttony, &c, 
and suffer themselves to be called spiritual doctors, teachers, 
lords, abbotSj guardians, fathers and priors. 

Alas ! how vastly they do differ from the prophets and 
apostles in their office, services, examples, usages, lives, and 
in all they did — who entered the vineyard of the Lord without 
purse, without money, or much clothing, (Matt. 10 ; Luke 10.) 
who were made a spectacle to the whole world ; and for Christ's 
sake were killed all the day long, and accounted as sheep for 
the slaughter : (1 Cor. 4 ; Rom. 8,) as may be seen from the 
scriptures. 

But these have their chests and coffers full, they are waxed 
rich through the abundance of the Babylonian sorcery.) Rev. 
18.) In all things they are blamable, violating female chastity, 
which is carried on to such an unblushing degree, that it cannot 
be expressed; they are full of inordinate desires, unchaste, 
unmerciful, malicious, scorners, unfriendly, unrighteous, liars, 
drunkards. All their tables are full of vomit and filthiness, 
as Isaiah, the prophet says, (Isa. 28.) Their hearts are full of 



94 OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

avarice, and malicious towards those who will not contribute to 
their support. They even prepare war against them, as Micah 
teaches. They are full of adultery. (Mich. 3 ; 2 Pet. 2.) They 
sit with harlots in their houses. They beget children illegiti- 
mately. They are unbelievers, they are refractory; proud, 
ambitious. Obey not the word of the Lord ; are bound with 
the cords of the devil, and there are many who have not known 
the truth, (2 Tim. 2.) they are a scandal and disgrace to the 
world. Their dreadful, abominable fruits make this manifest 
to all. They fight against Christ and his word. They hate all 
the pious. They speak reproachfully of all those who seek, 
love and fear the Lord with all their hearts. In short, it is not 
possible to relate all their abominable crimes, their lewdness, 
their ungodly deeds, their private and public vices, infamy and 
abominations. 

dear Lord ! how much more are they the reverse of the 
upright and true bishops, overseers and pastors, although they 
boast that they can bring Christ from heaven, reconcile God, 
forgive sins, and that they are the true pillars, the heads and 
eyes of the church. 

And although I have written this especially of the Koman 
priests, the reader should know, that I cannot acquit those in 
any wise, who boast of the word, if they seek, in the common 
walks of their lives, unlawful gain, and practise idolatry with 
infant baptism and the Lord's supper, and hate the pious, 
oppress, backbite and slander them, and differ little from the 
church of Eome, except in a few idolatrous abuses of the bread, 
which are not found with them. 

Therefore, I fear all, who preach for money, and flatter 
the world, are the spiritual sorcerers of Egypt, (Ex. 7, 8; 
2 Tim. 3) priests of the groves, (1 Chron. 12) servants of Baal, 
and prophets of Jezabel, (1 Chron. 18) destroyers of the Lord's 
vineyard, (Jer. 12) defilers of the land, (Jer. 23) blind watch- 
men and dumb dogs, (Isa. 56) spoilers of the good pastures, 
they trouble the waters and make foul the rivers, (Ezek. 34) 
devourers of souls, (Ezek. 22) false prophets and ravening 
wolves, (Matt. 7) devourers of widows' houses, (Matt. 23) 
thieves and murderers, (John 10) enemies of the cross of 
Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and 
whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things, 
(Phil. 3) false teachers, founders of sects, cursed children, 
wandering stars, withered trees, without fruit, twice dead, 
plucked up by the roots ; foaming out their own shame, to 
whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever, (2 Pet. 2 ; 
Jude 1) anti-christs, (1 John 2) locusts that rose from the bot- 
tomless pit, came to hurt those who have not the seal of God 



OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 95 

in their foreheads, (Rev. 9.) In short, if they will not repent, 
they are already condemned according to the scriptures, 
(Matt. 15, 23 ; Luke 11 ; Phil. 3 ; 2 Tim. 3 ; Tit. 3 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; 
Jude 1 ; Kev. 21, 22.) 

Not that I would judge any one, my good reader, I well know 
that it is written : Judge not that ye be not judged; condemn 
not and ye shall not be condemned; (Luke 6) but they are 
judged of him, who say : The word that I have spoken, the same 
shall judge him in the last day. (John 12.) 

Who do such and the like things, says Paul, shall not inherit 
the kingdom of God, (Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6.; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5.) But 
if any one do the works whereof Paul speaks, he is not judged 
of me, nor of any other man, but by the word of the Lord. 
We do therefore entreat you to measure the conduct of your 
preachers with the scriptures, and you will find, by whom they 
are judged. 

miserable preachers, whose blindness we may well lament ; 
how much better would it be for you never to have been born. 
For if you have finished your short, perishable, voluptuous and 
idle life ; and have not repented, as above stated, your portion 
will be God's eternal wrath, punishment and judgment in the 
torments, the ^ains and burnings of hell ; woe and death shall 
be your end, as the scriptures threaten, (Matt. 15, 23 ; Luke 11 ; 
2 Tim. 3; Phil. 3; Tit. 3.) 

The reason is, because you reject Christ, and despise his 
word, which is everlasting food for the soul, upon which we 
must eternally subsist. (2 Pet. 2 ; 2 John 1 ; Jude 1 ; Rev. 21, 
22.) And despise his word because it reproves your vain and 
frivolous conduct, showing that you are indeed sensual ; of the 
world, and of the devil, as is evident ; and that you so miserably 
deceive poor souls ; and so cruelly hate, belie, reproach and 
betray all those who sincerely seek their souls' salvation ; take 
their property, deprive them of honor, and life, who in great 
love admonish, by the word of God, your deceiving teachers, 
and reprove their ungodly deeds with all discretion. (Deut. 8 ; 
Matt. 4; Luke 4.) 

Balaam. Balaam, how long will you so unmercifully kick 
and cuff the poor ass which has to suffer all the opprobium, 
scorn and disgrace, for the sake of his master's testimony? 
And never kindly listen how he answers you in a human voice, 
and reproves your great folly and error? That he is driven 
by an angel with a naked sword, namely, by the spirit and word 
of the Lord, that he can longer carry (endure) you in your 
ungodly deeds. (Lev. 22.) 

Well now! seed of Cain, Korah and Balaam, prepare for 
defence ; lie, cheat, censure, blaspheme, hate, root up, disgrace 



96 OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

and murder as much as in you lies ; allege all the councils, 
authors, and learned teachers who have been for centuries; 
appeal to all the lords and princes, emperors, kings and the 
mighty of the earth. (Jer. 51.) Use all the power, art and 
cunning that you can command, it avails you nothing : the 
Lamb will conquer and gain the victory, the people of God will 
triumph, not with tangible weapons, but in patience with the 
spirit and word of God. Jerusalem and the temple must be 
built up, although the Azotes and Sanabalats may attempt to 
hinder it, not with inanimate stores, which are now tread upon 
in every street with your unclean feet, (Rev. 17 ; 1 Ex. 2 ; 
1 Pet. 2 ; Tim. 1 ; Neh. 4) and although all the gates of hell 
may resist, Babel must be destroyed and laid waste. The ten 
kings will and must perform their services. (Rev. 17.) You 
will gnaw your tongues for pain, bitterly cry and weep on ac- 
count of the torments of Babel, and say : Alas ! alas ! that 
great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and 
scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls ! 
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought ; for her sins 
rose up to heaven, and the Lord remembered her wickedness. 
(Rev. 18.) 

The gospel will and must be heard ; lies must be exposed, 
and your blind folly made known to all men. (Matt. 14; 2 
Tim. 3,) 

And although I and my brethren may be called off by death 
before this takes place, yet it will undoubtedly happen at the 
appointed time, which the Holy Ghost so plainly foretold and 
taught through the worthy disciple, John. 

stiffnecked, evil generation, how long will you resist the 
Holy Ghost ? How long will you revile the truth, and prefer 
lies ? How long will you be guilty of innocent blood ? Reform 
your wicked lives, fear God with all your hearts, treat us accord- 
ing to the word of God, so that the gospel may be rightly 
preached, and be maintained by a pious and blameless life. 
Alas !- were you to do so, no innocent blood would be shed, and 
the truth would be made known. 

But we are afraid it will be as the prophet said : The wicked 
shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand ; but 
the wise shall understand. (Dan. 12.) For it is the custom of 
all the sects, who are out of Christ and his word, to defend their 
foundations, faith and actions with the sword. The Romans, the 
* Arians, the Circumcellions, the Lutherans, the Zuinglians, and 
the Munsterites, are our witnesses ; but Christ's people suffer 
and forbear. 

Is it not a grievous error, that these poor people want to be 
Christians, and be guilty of such abominable things, as exter- 
minating, robbing, apprehending, burning, murdering, &c, under 



OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 97 

pretence, as if the kingdom of Christ, the glory of the Lord, the 
word and truth of God, were to be defended and maintained with 
such horrible disgrace ? 

Alas, no ! you miserable men, no ! All who are moved by 
the spirit of Christ know of no sword but the word of the 
Lord ; their weapons are powerful prayer, a long-suffering and 
patient heart, strong, unfeigned faith, living hope, and an un- 
blamable life, (Ezra. 13; Eph. 6; Heb. 4,) whereby the gospel 
of the kingdom, the word of peace, is to be promulgated, and 
to be defended against the gates of hell. 

Beloved reader, see, if you have the fear of God, then learn 
rightly to know your bishops, prophets, pastors and teachers, 
and remember what is written : Come out from among them, 
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean 
thing ; and I will receive you, and I will be a Father unto you, 
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord God 
Almighty. (2 Cor. 6.) And again : Come out of her, my people, 
that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her 
plagues. (Kev 18.) Eeflect that the mouth of the Lord said : 
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's cloth- 
ing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves : ye shall know them 
by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of 
thistles? (Matt. 7,) They are the salt which has lost its savor, 
and is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be 
trodden under foot of men, as the Lord says. (Matt. 5.) 

In short, they are those of whom Paul warned and said : This 
know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come ; for 
there shall be men, lovers of their ownselves, covetous, boasters, 
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 
without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incon- 
tinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, 
high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God ; having 
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such 
turn away. (2 Tim. 3.) 

Again, thus you see that your preachers are such persons as 
described, and that the scriptures abundantly admonish and com- 
mand that we shall forsake them, fear them, avoid and flee from 
them, <fcc.(Matt 7 ; 1 Thes. 5 ; John 10.) And this is the reason 
why we openly teach not to hear their seducing doctrines, not 
to use their sacraments, and to have nothing to do with their 
false worship. 

Bather say : What godliness can Israel bring from Assyria, 
Egypt, from Babylon. 

How can the true service be found with the priests of Baal ? 
How can you be taught in divine things to righteousness, of 
those who are ignorant thereof themselves ? 



98 OF THE CONDUCT OF PREACHERS. 

How can you learn Christ from anti-christ ; and the word of 
God from false prophets ? 

How can you be blessed by the cursed, and be rightly led by 
the blind ? 

How will you draw water from dry fountains, and gather fruit 
from withered trees ? (2 Fet. 2.) 

How can yon be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table 
of devils ? 

How can you drink both of the Lord's cup and the devil's 
cup, and be in the communion of Christ and of anti-christ? 

You cannot serve two masters who are opposed to each other ; 
you must love the one and hate the other, or else you will hold 
to the one and despise the other. (Matt. 6) You must be for 
Christ or against him, you will gather with him, or destroy in 
opposition to him. 

Since we, by the grace of God, so plainly see how your 
preachers are sent, see their doctrine and lives, how they go 
without being called, falsify the word of God, lead a wanton, 
sensual life, deceive the poor people ; and we being so abun- 
dantly admonished by the scriptures, that we should forsake, 
avoid and flee such preachers, because they are so diametrically 
opposed to Christ and his word, and we desire to be obedient to 
the voice of our shepherd in this matter as it becomes all the 
pious of Christ, (John 10,) for the kingdom is promised to the 
obedient, as the scriptures say : Not every one that saith, Lord, 
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but they that 
doth the will of my Father. (Matt. 7,) 

And we also, agreeably to the contents of God's word, departed 
from their doctrine, sacraments and service, and this we testify 
both by word and deed, with possessions and blood before lords 
and princes, in cities and in the country, before you, and the 
world as an admonition, doctrine and instruction, so that you 
all, both teachers and hearers, might awaken, to reflect on the 
truth, repent and come out from the kingdom and fellowship of 
anti-christ, and enter the kingdom and communion of Christ; 
and thus extricate your poor souls from the snares of unbelief, 
that you may be rescued, preserved and eternally saved. 

For we will sooner endure, in our mortal bodies, misery, 
poverty, tribulation, hunger, thirst, heat, cold, bonds and death, 
and adhere to the Lord's word, than lead secure easy lives with 
the world, and for the sake of a short and temporal life, ruin 
our souls. 

We think with holy Feter, (Acts 15, 6,) that we should rather 
obey God than man ; and with virtuous Susan, it is better to fall 
into the hands of man, than into the hands of God. (Dan. 13.) 
All who fear the Lord may read and judge. 



COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON. 99 



COUNTER ARGUMENTS 

OF BABYLON AND OF ITS BUILDERS, WITH 
THEIR REPLICATIONS. 

Beloved reader, although we have clearly shown you the 
difference between true and false preachers, and why we will not 
hear them, we do, therefore, hope that the god-fearing, who 
acknowledge the word of the Lord to be true, might fully com- 
prehend this ground and truth ; still we find some among those 
preachers, who partly know that their cause cannot stand the 
test of the scripture. 

Nevertheless, not being born of God, neither fearing him and 
seeking unlawful gain, the world and ease, they have wrested a 
variety of scripture passages, by which they persuade the simple, 
those who dread the cross of Christ, that it is lawful to hear 
their doctrine and attend upon their church services, and this 
they do in order to live at ease and enjoy good times. 

In the first place, they say, that Christ said : The Scribes and 
Pharisees sit in Moses' seat : all, therefore, whatsoever they bid 
you observe, that observe and do ; but do not ye after their 
works, (Matt. 23.) From which they conclude, that, as the 
Scribes and Pharisees were sitting in the seat of Moses, and 
mingling leaven with the unleavened lump, of which Christ 
warned his disciples, because Christ said : all therefore whatso- 
ever they bid you observe, that observe and do, they also now sit 
in Christ's seat, although they are in their doctrine and lives not 
upright and free from guilt ; that therefore we are to hear them , 
so far as they preach the word of God, but not to do after their 
works. (Matt. 16; Mark 8; Luke 12.) 

To which we reply, first, and ask them whether they and the 
Pharisees are one or not ? If they ansVer yes ! they must then 
be their own judges, and decide that they are of those who cru- 
cified Christ, stoned Stephen, beat the apostles, persecuted the 
saints, and they are of those who are threatened with eternal 
woe, (Matt. 28; Markl5; Luke 23 ; John 19; Acts 5,7; Matt. 
2, 3,) they may well then be afraid and fear the Lord and his 
judgments. If they answer, no ! then they can prove nothing 
with this passage. 

Secondly, we reply : If they adduce this passage, quasi argu- 
mentum assimili, i. e. as it were an argument of similitude, and 
remark that to sit in Moses' seat, is to rightly preach and attend 
to Moses' law with its ceremonies. This did the Scribes and 
Pharisees, they left the law and ceremonies entire and altered 



100 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OP BABYLON AND OF 

nothing therein, although they practised some superstition with 
it, as may be seen from Matt. 15, 23. For had they altered the 
law and ceremony, they would not have been sitting in Moses* 
seat. 

But even as the Scribes and Pharisees did sit in Moses' seat, 
these will then also have to show that they sit in Christ's seat, 
that is, they must prove that they preach Christ's gospel, bap- 
tism, supper, separation ; preach and practice all things correctly, 
or the argumentum assirnili cannot stand. If this is the case, 
we may then ask counsel of the scriptures ; why they suffer the 
traditions of men to be added thereto ? and why retain them ? 
But we well know that the scriptures are silent on this subject. 

Thirdly, we reply : So long as the Scribes and Pharisees were 
sitting in Moses' seat, and practised the ceremonies and taught 
the law which pointed to Christ, as before related ; so long did 
Christ direct his disciples and the people, at that time, to them ; 
for the law was not fully accomplished ; the perfect sacrifice, 
which was to abolish all typical sacrifices, was not yet offered ; 
the veil of the temple was not yet rent, the figures and shadows 
were not yet changed into the new and abiding reality. But 
after it was all accomplished according to the scriptures, and all 
things made new in Christ, (John 19 ; 2 Cor. 5,) he did not then 
send out the Scribes and Pharisees, with Moses' law, but sent 
out his disciples with his own doctrine ; and said : Go into all 
the world and preach the gospel to every creature, (Mark 16,) 
and teach them to observe all things I command you. (Matt. 28.) 

Since then all things are new in and through Christ ; and as 
the people of Moses were directed to his preachers, by Christ 
before his death, to those who sat in Moses' seat and rightly 
taught the law, practised the ceremonies ; in like manner, now, 
in the new Testament, are we, after the death of Christ, directed 
to those preachers who sit in Christ's seat, teaching his words 
unblamably, and using his sacraments as the scriptures teach. 
(1 Tim. 1.) 

But the scriptures abundantly warn us of those who adulterate 
Christ's doctrine, misuse his sacraments, seduce the people, lead 
dissolute and wanton lives ; such we are to flee, avoid and aban- 
don, not to admit them into our houses, for they sit in anti-christ's, 
not in Christ's seat, as said, (Matt. 7 ; John 10 ; Eom. 16 ; 2 
Tim. 6 ; 2 John 1.) 

Secondly ; they adduce what Paul says : Quench not the 
spirit; despise not prophecying; prove all things; hold fast 
that which is good. (1 Thes. 5.) 

I answer, Paul himself explains, according to our opinion, of 
what spirit and prophesy he thus spake in. (1 Cor. 4.) For if it 
were the Opinion of the apostle that we should repair to houses 



ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 101 

where this open seduction and idolatry are carried on, and there 
try their spirit and prove their doctrines, Paul would then have 
contradicted himself, when he says, that we shall separate and 
flee from them ; for we know of a certainty that they do corrupt 
the word and sacraments of the Lord, and seek nothing but a 
good living, and are without the spirit and doctrine of Christ. 

no ; Paul did not write this of such preachers as the Scribes 
and Pharisees were, neither of the idolatrous priests of Egypt 
and Babylon ; but he said this touching the prophets, pastors 
and teachers in the Church of Christ, that we are not to quench 
their spirit, but prove their doctrine, and hold fast to that which 
is good. And if they taught any thing not in accordance with 
the scriptures and the true faith, to avoid it. (Rom. 4.) If any 
man prophesy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of 
faith, (Rom. 12,) and this is to what John exhorts his disciples : 
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether 
they are of G-od. (1 John 4.) And this passage : Avoid the ap- 
pearance of all manner of evil, may be understood as not properly 
referring to what is just mentioned. 

My good reader, we have proved your preachers so well, both 
as to their spirit and doctrine, that we may with a clear con- 
science say, that they are not of God and his word, but of the 
bottomless pit, of the dragon and of the beast. (Rev. 9.) Say, 
dear reader, how shall we acknowledge those as teachers who 
so wantonly fight against the word of God ? What fellowship 
has light with darkness? What communion has Christ with 
Belial? (1 Cor. 6.) The greater part of what they teach is 
delusion and hypocrisy. My reader, do not pervert these words, 
for what I write is the truth, and I can prove it to the whole 
world, from their doctrines, lives and sacraments. 

Thirdly, they ask : Why will we not hear them ; for the wise 
men of the East gave heed to what Herod said ? 

Answer. To adduce this passage seems to me to be so puerile, 
that it is by no means worthy of reply. For Herod did nothing 
else than by the instruction of the scribes, point out to the wise 
men the town in which the king of the Jews was to be born, and 
he did it with a blood-thirsty heart, as the following act shows : 
He sent them to Bethlehem and said : Go and search diligently 
for the young child, and when you have found him, bring me 
word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

Herod was afraid when he heard that the Jews had a king 
born, lest he might lose his glory and kingdom ; he therefore 
spoke, out of pure hypocrisy and slyness, with the wise men, in 
order that he might destroy the child, for he was desirous of his 
death. But when he saw that he failed in his hypocrisy, he was 
very much enraged, and showed his fierce, tyrannical, ungodly 

9* 



102 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND OF 

disposition ; he sent forth and slew all the children that were in 
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and 
under; as may be seen from Matt. 2. 

my good reader, how justly tjiey do appeal to this hypo- 
critical, lying, ambitious and tyrannic Herod ; for the greater 
part of them are of the same spirit and disposition. They are 
so much pained that Christ is born again through his word. 
They are like hypocritical Herod ; they lie and say, that they 
are sincere ; but they fear their unlawful gain, their rich and 
lazy life, lest Christ should rule, as Herod feared, lest he should 
lose his kingdom. And they are ready to destroy the pious, as 
Herod was determined upon the blood of Christ, as you have 
heard. 

Since then they are such manifest, hypocritical liars, and so 
earthly-minded, some of whom also are lurking for blood, as 
may be seen openly in such places ; and in this respect we will 
take the wise men as an example ; who being privately exhorted 
from heaven not to return to Herod again, (Matt. 2,) and by the 
grace of Cod take sure heed to the Lord's inspirating counsel, 
doctrine and exhortation, and turn to those who recommend 
Christ to us in power, and according to the spirit, rightly teach 
and exhibit the truth. 

Fourthly, some of them say : Although the devil should preach 
the word of Cod, why should we not hear him ? 

In the first place I reply to these vain, slanderous calumni- 
ators, that it would be well for them to learn to rightly distin- 
guish between the spirit and disposition of the devil, and the 
spirit and nature of Christ, before they would utter such unsea- 
sonable, blasphemous words before the poor people. 

The devil was a liar from the beginning, and will undoubtedly 
always be. (John 8.) Since then he is a liar, and lying his 
nature, disposition and work, as the Lord says, how can he then 
rightly teach and preach the word of Cod, which is truth, and 
diametrically opposed to his lying disposition and nature, and 
though he did rightly teach the truth, and give Christ his praise, 
still he does so with a false heart : for he is a devil and the 
truth is not in him. 

He confessed Christ, rightly and according to the contents of 
his word, when he said : Thou art Christ, the holy one of G-od : 
thou art Christ, the Son of God. However, Christ wanted not 
his confession, but reproved him and said : Hold your peace, and 
come out of him, (Luke 4,) for his confession was made with a 
diabolical heart, as said. 

Secondly, I say : If any one would hear the voice of the devil, 
he need not go far ; alas ! he can hear him every where. All 
who speak lies, speak of the devil. (John 8.) In the beginning 



ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 103 

he spoke through the serpent: in j Israel through the false 
prophets, and now through his preachers, in order to deceive 
the people of the world, and divert them from the truth, that 
they never can be saved. 

Since then, that he was from the beginning, a lying spirit, an 
adversary of God, a falsifier of the scriptures, and a murderer 
of souls, and will eternally be such, who can neither teach nor 
endure any thing good, because he is by nature unclean, a liar, 
and a deceiver, always the enemy of God, we will therefore stop 
our ears through grace, and not hear such blasphemous speak- 
ing ; turn our backs upon the devil, with all his lying preachers, 
as the scriptures teach; and we will sincerely believe the 
scriptures, which direct us to Christ to hear him. (Deut. 18 ; 
Matt. 17 ; Mark 9.) And Christ directs us to his disciples, and 
they direct us to such teachers who are blameless in doctrine 
and life, as related. (Matt. 10 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Tit. 1.) May the 
merciful and gracious Lord eternally preserve all the pious 
hearts against this Herodian generation, and against the devil's 
preachers. Amen. 

Fifthly, some also say : That we may hear them, if we suffer 
ourselves not to be deceived by them. 

I answer, the reader should observe how the people of God 
ever were, from the days of Abraham, separated from the world ; 
and especially since the days of Moses, they have had their own 
particular preachers, teachers, ceremonies, ordinances and ser- 
vices, as may be abundantly read and seen in all the books of 
Moses. 

Secondly, that Israel was commanded by God, that if a false 
prophet were to rise up among them, and though he were to do 
wonders and signs, he should die. (Deut. 13, 18.) 

Thirdly, Israel was not allowed to teach or to receive any 
doctrine or worship from any strange nations circumjacent to 
them, but to keep closely to the law and testimonies. (Isa. 8.) 

Fourthly, where there arose some ungodly kings, such as 
Jeroboam, Ahab, Mannassah and many others, who loved their 
own righteousness and idolatry more than the word and right 
worship of the Lord ; and when the false prophets multiplied, 
who turned the people from the Lord and his law, then also did 
the Lord raise up true prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, &c, 
to reprove the disobedient, idolatrous kings and false prophets, 
warned the people faithfully of them, and said : Hearken not 
unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you ; they 
make you vain ; they speak a vision of their own hearts, and not 
out of the mouth of the Lord. (Jer. 23. These prophets all 
gloriously pointed to Christ, to his kingdom and reign. 

Fifthly. That Christ did, as well as Moses, ordain and 



104 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND OF 

appoint in his kingdom, community, or church, prophets, preach- 
ers, teachers, ceremonies and ordinances, which are to be 
observed by all true christians for ever, (Matt. 18 ; Mark 16.) 

Sixthly. The holy apostles teach us abundantly, that we are 
to separate ourselves from those in doctrine and in worship, be 
they baptized or not, if they agree not with the spirit, doctrine, 
regulations and examples of Christ. Matt. 15 ; John 10 ; Rom. 
16,3; ITim. 6 ; 2 Tim. 2, 3 ; Tit. 3; 2 John 1 ; Tit. 6; 2 Tim. 2; 
1 John 1.) 

Seventhly. That the whole world with their spirit, doctrine, 
sacrament, worship and conduct, are far from Christ's spirit, 
word, sacrament, worship and example ; and, alas ! are nothing 
but a new Sodom, Egypt and Babel. ( Rev. 11, 17.) 

Eighthly. That all those who acknowledge Cod's word, and 
are partakers of his spirit, are called on to let their lights shine 
out of darkness and give light to the world, that they reprove 
all ungodliness by word, deed, life and death, confess the Lord's 
holy name, word and will, and confirm it by a pious and unblam- 
able life, according to the scriptures. ( Matt. 5 ; Phil. 2 ; Eph. 
5 ; 1 Pet. 2.) 

Ninthly. That it were better to have a mill-stone hanged to 
one's neck, and to be cast into the depth of the sea, than to offend 
one of these little ones, who believe in Christ. (Matt. 18.) 

Tenthly. That we reflect well, why or for what reason we are 
not to hear such preachers. If we do hear them, and desire to 
be taught of them, then seek we the truth among lies, and life 
among the dead. But if we will not be taught of them, but use 
our liberty, as they call it, we must then confess that such 
hearing is no hearing, but trifling and hypocrisy, by which we 
despise Christ's spirit, doctrine, regulations, counsel, admoni- 
tion, community and church ; and encourage anti-christ's seducing 
abominations, idolatry and kingdom ; and conform to the world 
in all appearance of evil, act the hypocrite, grieve and vex many 
a pious child of God, cause strife among the pious, and esteem 
lightly the innocent blood which is shed in many places on this 
account. 

Behold, my readers, all who fear the Lord, and rightly examine 
and judge these ten articles, by the spirit and word of the Lord, 
will not halt here, but will faithfully take heed to the counsel 
and admonition of the Holy Ghost; reprove the world both by 
works and doctrine, flee all appearance of evil and walk unblam- 
ably in the house of the Lord. 

But touching the false worship, the light-minded comfort one 
another, and say : children may be baptized ; for the child is 
clean ; the water is clean ; to wash and to bathe is also clean, 
&c. We may also receive the supper of the Lord at the hands 



ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 105 

of these preachers, although it is in idolatrous houses ; christians 
have no idols any more, they only use bread and wine as such, 
which is pure to the pure ; (2 Cor. 8) for Paul says : To the 
pure all things are pure. ,And they appeal to the case of 
Naaman, the Captain of the king of Assyria ; and to the house 
of Eimmon, ( Eom. 14 ; Tit. 1 ; 2 Ohron. 5) and say : We care 
not for the idolatry of the priests, but we worship Him who 
made heaven and earth, &c. 

I answer : Can a single passage be adduced from the scriptures, 
that uncleanness, sin, falsifying the ordinances of God, idolatry, 
disobedience to the word, and hypocrisy are all pure to the pure, 
that is, to the true believers ; then we might consider a little on 
it. But we know certainly, that not a single passage can be 
advanced. 

my reader, had the men of God thus understood the scrip* 
tures, as these poor people do, the three valiant young men 
would have by no means suffered themselves to be cast into tha 
fiery furnace. ( Dan. 3 ; 2 Mace. 6, 7.) The upright Eleazer r 
pious Susan ; the mother with her seven gong, the feoly prophets, 
apostles and pious witnesses of God, would have saved their ■ 
lives, would have escaped the cruel tortures and pains, and 
said : To the pure all things are pure, we will cheerfully 
comply. 

no, my good reader, no : the clean are not to touch the 
unclean. Touch not, says the spirit of God through Isaiah and 
Paul, the unclean thing, that is, what the scriptures forbid. 
( Isa. 52 ; 2 Cor. 6.) He that washed himself, after the touching 
of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing ? 
Is it not folly for any man to wash his clothes, and afterwards 
tread them into the mire again? (Eccl. 34.) The scriptures 
plainly teach : That the just shall live by faith ; and that a good 
tree brings forth good fruit. ( Heb. 1 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3 ; Heb. 
10.) And we certainly know that an humble, lowly-minded 
soul will never magnificently array itself, dressed in gold, pearls 
or other costly apparel, ( Matt. 7, 12,) and that those who fear 
the Lord, will be honest, chaste, sober ; they will not drink with 
dishonorable women, sing and dance with them ; for the know- 
ledge, fear and love of God and his word forbid them ; and 
should one do so, we would know that his light is darkness, and 
his conduct not agreeable to the scriptures. And so it does also 
illy become those who boast of the word, and would reprove 
seduction, the idolatry and abominations of preachers by the 
scriptures, and yet associates with them in their false service, 
doctrine and sacraments, words without actions profit nothing. 
(Matt. 23; .Rom. 1.) Have no fellowship with the unfruitful 
works of darkness, but rather reprove them. ( Eph. 5.) 



106 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND OF 

It is true, that to the pure all things are pure, which are not 
contrary to the spirit and word of God. For none are called 
pure in the scriptures, except those who conform to the spirit 
and word of the Lord. All who agree with the word, to them 
all lawful, pure things, are pure, such as eating, dringing, cloth- 
ing, houses, manors, land, gold, silver, wives, children, goods, 
food, to wake, to sleep, to speak, to be silent, and all things 
which God has given us as necessaries ; because they are pure, 
they will also use all lawful, pure things purely ; namely, in the 
fear of God, with thanksgiving and moderation, to the praise of 
God and to the service of their fellow man ; for which end, these 
things were given by God, to the use of men. 

But all things prohibited of God, such as hypocrisy, unfruitful 
works, conformity to the world, living in affluence and splendor, 
living in idolatry, are by all means, impure to the pure, to the 
willing obedient children of God ; and the pure can never use 
things impurely through all eternity, according to the will of 
God; for the spirit of God and his word forbid them. 

Adam was allowed of God to eat of all the vegetables and 
fruits of the earth, for his subsistence, except of the tree of 
knowledge of good and evil ; for if he would eat thereof, he was 
to die. (Gen. 3.) All the fruits and creatures allowed of God, 
were pure to pure Adam, but one tree was impure to him 
through the command of God ; he eat thereof, and with all his 
seed he fell under the power of death. 

And even as all things are pure to the pure, and are for the 
good of the pious, so also to the impure all things are impure, 
and encourage the evil one to do wickedness ; because they are 
impure they use all the creatures of God impurely. They eat 
and drink with excess ; they dress gorgeously ; and indulge in 
lewdness ; they raise their children to idleness ; they avariciously 
hoard gold, silver, houses and lands, ( Tit. 1 ) and there is nothing 
they use purely according to the will of God ; for they are im- 
pure, sensual, disobedient to the word, and are earthly-minded, 
as the scriptures say. 

Further ; it is also an abominable calumny and slanderous 
seduction, what some pretend and say ; outward idolatry cannot 
defile and make impure, if not sanctioned by the heart. 

My good reader, if that were true all the passages would 
have been spoken to no purpose, which say ; neither be ye 
idolators as were some of them — have no fellowship with the 
unfruitful works of darkness ; avoid all appearance of evil, &c, 
(1 Cor. 10 ; Eph. 5 ; 1 Thes. 5 ;) then would also the offence of 
the cross have been ended. No, no, it becomes a true christian 
to be wholly pious, to glorify God, both in body and spirit. ( 1 
Cor. 6.) 



WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 107 

Aaron, a high priest called of God, a type of the Lord Jesus, 
when he was constrained of the people to make gods for them 
which should go before them, he was overcome through the 
weakness of the flesh, that he yielded to the idolators, and made 
them a golden calf. Aaron did not worship it, in his heart ; for 
he well knew it was not God, who led them through the red sea, 
but that it was a creature made of gold. Nevertheless this 
guilt was charged to Aaron, for Moses said : What did this 
people unto thee that thou didst bring so great a sin upon them ? 
( Exod. 32,) yea, the Lord would have destroyed him had not 
Moses interceded for him. ( Deut. 9.) 

We would, that all founders of sects and erring spirits, whose 
rejection of the cross, ease, sensual minds and hypocrisy, is 
cloaked under the semblance of the word of God, would reflect 
well upon the history of Aaron ; I trust they would no longer 
conceal their nudity and disgrace with fig-leaves ; but would 
clothe themselves with the true coat of skins, with Jesus, Christ 
made of God; CGen. 3,) for they comfort and encourage the 
poor, rude people in their idolatry and faith, by their ungodly 
dealings, which they call liberty, grieve the pious unto death, 
discourage and offend the poor, wavering souls of whom it is 
written : But whoso shall offend one of these little ones, which 
believe in me, it were better for him, that a mill-stone were 
hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth 
of the sea. ( Matt. 18.) 

What christian liberty is, and how it is to be used according 
to the will of God, is fully explained in Eom. 14 ; 1 Gor. 6, 8, 10. 

Say, beloved, how can we count that as belonging to chris- 
tian liberty, which is so openly committed against so many 
passages in the scriptures against brotherly and universal love, 
and contrary to all the examples of so many saints, as said ? 

O, were they pure of heart, who introduce such subtle argu- 
ments, and would they but love Christ supremely over every 
thing, how soon they would then know that that which they 
maintain is contrary to the spirit and word of God. But I fear 
they are those concerning whom it is written : There is a genera- 
tion that are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed 
from their filthiness. (Prov. 30.) 

Touching Naaman, we have to notice attentively the follow- 
ing passages. 

First, that Naaman was neither a Jew, nor a proselyte, but a 
foreigner, who was not included in the doctrine, ceremonies, 
ordinances and righteousness of Israel, although he would no 
longer serve idols, and would serve and offer to God, he was not 
circumcised. 

Secondly : that he was the servant of his master, upon whom 
the king depended ; and therefore had to attend to the service of 



108 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND OP 

his master when the king worshipped in the honse of Eimmon, 
Naaman would worship none other than the true God who had 
cleansed him. 

Thirdly : That we cannot conclude with certainty from the 
answer of the prophet, how far he did, or did not comply. 

Fourthly ; That the house of Eimmon, and the service thereof, 
and our temple with its services, are not the same ; for in the 
house of Eimmon the name of God, the laws, the ordinances 
and ceremonies, were not abused, for they were not known there. 
But what abuses, disgrace, scoffings, abomination and blas- 
phemy, are carried on in our temples under the name of Christ, 
all rational men may determine by the scriptures. 

But if any one says : Why do you concern yourselves about 
the doings of the priests ? Worship God as Naaman did, &c, 
this sounds to us thus : "Behold your pious father will be very 
slanderously mocked, insulted, reviled and much abused ; let 
such things not move you, or confound you, but be unconcerned 
and contented. Submit quietly, but in your heart honor your 
father, &c." Say, beloved, what rational and upright child could 
see his father thus treated, and say nothing, and submit quietly ? 

Since then, we see with unclouded eyes, how miserably they 
treat our eternal Father, who loved us so greatly, in their 
houses of abomination ; and how they behave towards his son, 
Jesus Christ, who bought us with such a precious price. Again. 
How they quench his Holy Spirit, hate his will, his word, and 
abuse his sacraments, reject his ordinances and commands, 
revile and reproach his children, deceive poor souls, rob Christ 
of his own, and his glory ; and with all this, we are to unite 
with such open enemies of God !- — to act the hypocrite with 
them, to listen to their ungodly seductions and abominations ! — 
if we should, we would be very ungrateful children, and without 
love. This is incontrovertibly true. 

No I Such is not the way of pious christians ; but as Christ 
defends his church, is not ashamed of her, and enlightens her 
by his Holy Spirit and word, comforts her in all her distresses, 
strengthens her in sufferings and endows her with power and 
wisdom, before lords and princes, wise and learned, and before 
the whole world, that all have to be silent and ashamed in 
presence of a poor, humble christian ; and in the day of judg- 
ment acknowledge her before his Father, (Matt. 10 ; Luke 12,) 
and will bestow her the eternal kingdom ; and so do the spirit 
and love of Christ also demand of us, that we confess before men 
his divine honor, word, and ordinances ; and besides, we are to 
testify it by our works, possessions, blood, life and death, and 
not clandestinely frequent such houses of abomination, where 
his great and adorable name is so miserably dishonored and 
slandered ; and where we hear not the truth, nor learn any piety. 



ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. 109 

For it is nothing but hypocrisy which they teach ; although they 
do disguise it with the word of the Lord, (Jer. 8) as may be 
evidently observed by their works. 

They all, teachers and hearers, run, says the prophet, like a 
frantic heifer (Hos. 4) — they all hate reproof and instruction, 
and live imprudently according to their own lusts. (Ezek. 11.) 
They desire not God's word, therefore, I fear the scourge is 
ready, and the avenging swogd of the Lord is drawn ; that soon 
one ungodly man will eat another, so that many of them be 
eaten up, for this foolish people desire to be beaten. (Hos. 4.) 

Fifthly. We have to observe, that in the New Testament 
we are only directed to the spirit, word, counsel, admonition 
and usages of Christ : what he allows us we may do, but what 
he forbids we dare not do ; it become all true Christians to con- 
form thereto, and not according to such doubtful histories and 
obscure passages, from which we can draw no sure ground, and 
which teach the very reverse of what the Lord's apostles publicly 
taught. 

Here I would faithfully admonish the sincere reader, that he 
would not suffer himself to be deceived with such words ; but at 
all times to keep to and abide in the unchangeable and sure 
ground, (1 Cor. 3) which the faithful witnesses of Christ, the 
holy apostles left to us, which they taught us plainly in their 
writings ; for the deceivers seek but to confound the wavering, 
and to be free from the cross of Christ. 

But, say they : We esteem it to be better, though we do so 
sometimes, so that we may administer to our wives and children, 
and serve the poor, than that we wholly abandon the preachers, 
and thereby make all our possessions a prey. (Deut. 6 ; Matt. 22.) 

To which we reply, in the first place : The first command 
teaches, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 
with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. Where the name 
of the Lord is profaned, and where his word is violated, there 
it behooves you to reprove such things with an unblamable life, 
and by the word of God, and to defend the praises of God, as 
as much as in you is ; and reflect upon what the Lord says : 
Whosoever loves father, mother, brother, sister, wife, children, 
possessions and life more than me, cannot be my disciple. 
(Matt. 10; Luke 2, 14,) 

Secondly. That all who believe, that God made heaven and 
earth, and sustained Israel for forty days with bread from heaven, 
and water from the rock, sent Elias his necessary food by a raven, 
(Gen. 1 ; Lev. 16, 17 ; Deut. 8, 16 ; 1 Kings 17) who gives the 
birds in the air, the fishes in the water, and the reptiles upon 
earth, all their food ; those will not doubt the goodness, 
power and promise of their Lord Jesus Christ, who says : First 

10 



110 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON AND OF 

seek the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all other 
things shall be added unto you, (Matt. 6) for if the countenance 
of his grace is in this, matter over those who reject him, how 
much more over those who fear him and keep his command- 
ments. 

Thirdly. That the Almighty, bountiful God, God Shaddai, 
who is all-sufficient to support the poor and needy without 
any idolatry, hypocrisy and service of the devil ; because he 
has no delight in such offerings and gifts of unrighteousness ; 
as the prophet says : Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, 
and to hearken, than the fat of rams ; for rebellion is as the 
sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 
(1 Sam. 15.) 

All, therefore, who say that they do this on account of their 
wife and children, and for the poor's sake, they ought to know 
that they love their wife and children more than God, and 
lessen the arm and power of God, (Eccl. 35) and lie unto the 
Lord ; hence their indolence, and thus they avoid the cross, 
and cloak their unbelief, their earthly mind and hypocrisy 
under such a pretext. Let every one take heed to himself and 
fear God, who has eyes like flaming fire, which penetrate heaven 
and earth, and cannot be blinded by fair words. (Acts 5 ; Eev. 1.) 

Again : They further pretend that Paul purified himself ac- 
cording to the Jews' custom, (Acts 16) and Timothy was cir- 
cumcised. This is' quite different, for these were things which 
God had commanded, although they ended in Christ. The 
reason why Paul consented thereto was, that he might preach 
the word with more freedom to the Jews, as he says : Unto the 
Jews I became a Jew, that I might gain the Jews ; to them that 
are under the law, that I might gain them that are under the 
law. (1 Cor. 9.) 

And since these works originated not with anti-christ, but 
from God, with which Paul would not offend the weak Jews ; 
as explained: How can we then show by them, that w T e are at 
liberty to hear false preaching, receive the baptism and enjoy 
the supper of anti-christ; and to take part with the world 
in open idolatry and blasphemy ? Though this be not done 
with the heart, it is at least in appearance. Or we must con- 
sider the works of the law, which were of God, to be as unclean 
and ungodly as the works and abominations of darkness, which 
are of the devil ; and to esteem the avoiding of the cross of 
Christ as the laudable zeal of Paul, when he would teach the 
Jews the gospel of Christ ! 

my faithful reader, if you would not lose your poor soul, 
do not then dishonor Christ, do rightly, seek his praise, obey 
his spirit ; doctrine, counsel, admonition and example, and you 



ITS BUILDERS, WITH THEIR REPLICATION. Ill 

i 

will never be made ashamed ; you will soon discover that Paul's 
purification, and Timothy's circumcision, are vastly different 
from the doings, works, abominations, idolatry and blasphemy 
of anti-christ, which have been practised from time to time, iu 
the name of Christ, even to the present day. May the gracious, 
merciful God grant that you may all come to the knowledge, and 
walk in his truth, Amen. 

Lastly. They say: That we are yet prisoners in Babel, and 
that we may therefore do in semblance the works of Babel ; 
and allege Baruch's sayings : Ye shall see in Babylon gods of 
silver, and of gold, and of wood, borne upon shoulders, which 
cause the heathens to fear : beware, therefore, that ye in no 
wise be like to strangers, neither be ye afraid of them, when 
ye see the multitude before them and behind them, worshipping 
them : but say in your hearts, Lord, we must worship thee. 
(Bar. 6.) 

Answer. Here we have first to observe, what is shown by 
the Babylonian captivity ; for when the Israelites did not serve 
God aright, in their own country, they were scattered according 
to the prediction of Moses, by the righteous and gracious 
judgment of God, among the heathen nations, and were led 
captive under the dominion of Babylon. (Dent. 4, 28.) So it is 
with those who boast themselves as being the spiritual Israel ; 
because they became unfaithful to the Lord, and rejected his 
word, and turned their ears to preachers of lies, the Babylonian 
king, anti-christ, has taken advantage of them and deprived 
them of the true doctrine, ceremonies and services, and led 
them captive under his dominion, and has bound them miserably 
with the cords of error and idolatrous abominations. 

But all those who are again enlightened by the spirit and word 
of the Lord, and born of God, and die unto the old man, sin ; 
forsake all human misleadings, and rightly use the Lord's holy 
sacraments, ordinances and divine services, they are freed from 
spiritual Babylon, that is. from sin, hell, death, devil, from the 
doctrines and commands of men, and from all idolatry, abomina- 
tions and crimes, as Paul says : There is, therefore, now no 
condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not 
after the flesh, but after the spirit ; for the law of the spirit of 
life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and 
death. (Rom. 8.) 

All, then, who say that they are yet captives of Babylon, 
testify that they have not been set at liberty by the Cyrus, Jesus 
Christ, from their sins, and not come from Chaldea to Jerusalem. 
(2 Cor. 3; 1 Ezra 1.) 

Secondly : That Israel is not commanded here to conform 
themselves to the gentiles ; but when they saw them carry their 



112 COUNTER ARGUMENTS OF BABYLON. 

% 

idols, (even as we may see on the days of papistical processions 
and abominations, although we are not in their temple,) then 
they should worship God only, and give him the honor ; for if 
God had commanded them to conform in all things to the 
Babylonian idolatry, and only to serve the Lord with their heart 
secretly, then Schadrach, Meshach and Abednego acted fool- 
ishly to refuse worshipping the great golden idol, on account of 
which they hazarded their lives. (Dan. 3.) no ! the miraculous 
work, shown of God to them, testifies that they acted rightly. 
All, then, I say, who teach that true believers are not released 
from Babylon, do thereby deny the merits, death and blood of 
Christ, and faith with its power, and the Holy Ghost with his 
liberty, and despise wholly the innocent blood of the free wit- 
nesses of the free children of God, which is shed so abundantly. 
Let every one see well to it what he believes and learns ; for 
I fear that both the bloodshedder and the despiser are alike 
guilty. My good reader, examine the scriptures well, and you 
will find, that to the free children of God here upon earth, 
there is no liberty promised as to the flesh, as Christ says : Ye 
shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. (Matt. 24.) 
Again : He that would follow me, let him deny himself, and 
take up his cross and follow me. (Matt. 16.) Again: All who 
will kill you, think they do God service. (John 16.) All who 
would live godly in Christ Jesus, says Paul, must suffer perse- 
cution. (2 Tim. 3.) And through much tribulation we must 
enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14.) For the liberty of 
the spirit is to be maintained with much misery, tribulation, 
persecutions, bonds, fear and death. The servant is not greater 
than his lord, and the disciple is not greater than his master ; 
but it is enough that he be like his lord and master. (Matt 10 ; 
John 13, 15.) 

Behold, beloved sirs, friends and brethren, here you have the 
leading parts and chief articles of a christian ground and 
foundation, with a plain instruction and exposition of the anti- 
christian abominations and Babylonian acts, whereby the true 
apostolic foundation, for a long time, was corrupted and razed 
to the ground ; and we have contrasted light and darkness, truth 
and falsehood, that the whole truth by our seeking, doctrine 
and belief, undertaking and weak attempts, may be made 
manifest. 

And I hope by the grace of God, that you will readily receive 
it, if you are at all honestly disposed, read it with a sincere heart, 
fear God, and acknowledge Christ as the true head ; and see 
that we are grounded upon the eternal corner stone, that we 
walk in the right way, although in weakness, and hold the plain 
truth, (Isa. 28 ; Eph. 2 ; Ps. 117 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; Matt. 21 ; Luke 20 ; 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 113 

Acts 4,) and that there is no other ground or way, and truth to 
be found in the scriptures, that can stand before God, other 
than this, which we have pointed out, and which we on every 
occasion maintain and defend in so much tribulation. 

And I have served you all with this small gift, as I received 
it from my God. I gladly would that I could serve you longer 
with great and abundant grace, to the praise of the Lord. 
Therefore, have I renounced praise, honor, ease, and forsaken 
all, and willingly submitted to the pressing cross of my Lord 
Jesus Christ, which oftimes assails my weak flesh. I seek neither 
gold nor silver, (the Lord knows this,) but am ready, with 
faithful Moses, to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather 
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season ; and I esteem 
the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures in 
Egypt, for I know what the scriptures have promised us, (2 
Thes. 2 ; Heb. 11,) and this is my only joy and heart's desire, 
that I may extend the borders of the kingdom of God, publish 
the truth, reprove sin, teach righteousness, feed the hungry with 
the word of the Lord, lead the stray sheep into the right path, 
and win many souls to the Lord through his spirit, power and 
grace, and so act in my weakness, as he taught me who pur- 
chased me, a miserable sinner, with his crimson blood, and gave 
me this mind, by the gospel of his grace, namely, Jesus Christ, 
to him be praise and glory, and the eternal kingdom, Amen. 



A CHRISTIAN AND 

AFFECTIONATE EXHORTATION TO ALL IX 
AUTHORITY. 

Also to the learned, to the common 'people, to sects and to the 
bride of Christ, that is not a little scorched by the heat of 
the sun every where. 

We showed you in the preface, faithful reader, why or where- 
fore we published these our writings, to wit : on account of the 
abominable deceiving, and the manifold dangers at this time, 
when are to be found so many schisms, communities, churches 
and sects, who are all called after the name of the Lord ; such 
as Romans or papists, Lutherans, Zuinglians, erring sects, and 
the christians who are upbraided as ana-baptists. Even as in 
former times among the Jews, were the Chasidim, Zadikin, 
Essenes, Saducees, Pharisees, &c, which sacred and profane 
historv mention. Each boasts to be the Church of Christ* and 

10* 



114 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

to have the Lord's word, although the greater part of them not 
only live inconsistently with the spirit, word and example of 
Christ, but they very enviously upbraid and slander, and are 
inimically opposed to it ; and it is just as it was in the begin- 
ning, that the pious every where have to suffer much from the 
impious; as Abel had to suffer of Cain; Isaac of Ishmael; 
Jacob of Esau, &c, although created by the same God, having 
one common origin, boast all of one Christ; and in the day of 
Judgment, find the same judge. Anti-christ rules through hypoc- 
risy and lies, with power and sword ; but Christ reigns patiently, 
with his word and spirit. He uses neither sword nor sabre. O 
man ! man ! Look upon the irrational creatures, and learn wis- 
dom, (1 Cor. 12.) Roaring lions, frightful bears, and all devou- 
ring wolves agree among themselves with their respective 
species ; but you, poor, helpless worms — you, who are created 
after God's own image, and are called rational beings, without 
tusks, claws and horns, born into this world feeble, senseless, 
speechless and powerless, yea, neither able to stand nor walk, 
and have to depend entirely upon maternal aid, which teaches 
you that you are to be peaceable and not contentious ; but when 
you attain your understandings and manhood, then you are so 
very restless, tyrannical, revengeful, blood-thirsty and unmer- 
ciful, so much so that it cannot be fully conceived, related or 
described. Your open works bear testimony to this, still you 
boast yourselves to be christians. no ! my faithful reader, 
no ! Christ teaches : " My peace I give you ; my peace I leave 
you." (John 16.) Paul says : Let the peace of God rule in your 
hearts, to which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thank- 
ful. Col. 3.) Again : The Son of man has not come to destroy, 
but to make alive. (Matt. 18 ; Luke 9.) 

Since there are so many of you who treat the children of God 
so inhumanly, as we s^e, we have compiled summarily our acts, 
ground, faith and doctrine, from the word of God, and have 
published it; so that every slanderous reviler, foul-mouthed 
speaker and bloody persecutor, may out of it learn what our 
undertaking, seeking and doings properly are, and upon what 
ground the city of God must be built, and which of all the afore- 
mentioned congregations or communities is the lawful and true 
church of Christ. Even as there was but one Adam and Eve ; 
one Noah and one ark, (Gen. 3.) One Isaac and one Rebecca, 
(Gen. 7,) so there is but one community of Christ, which is the 
body, the city, the temple, the house and bride of Christ, having 
but one gospel, one faith, one baptism, one supper, and one 
service ; walking in the same way and leading a pious, unbla- 
mable life, as the scriptures teach. 

All who have not the pure, unadulterated word of God, the 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 115 

true, active faith, with the Lord's holy baptism and supper, in 
power and spirit, and walk the broad road of the flesh, are not 
the community and church of Christ. Here neither name nor 
boasting prevails ; we must be in Christ, and Christ in us ; we 
must be moved by his spirit, and in every respect abide in his 
holy word, else we have no God. (2 John l.J 

Israel was not saved, though of the seed of Abraham., because 
they walked not in the way of Abraham. (John 8 ; Rom. 9.) 
Much less we, though we are called after the name of Christ, if 
we seek not his promise with all. our souls, and not cordially 
hear and follow, and be obedient to his holy will. (I John 2.) 

Since it is well known to all the pious, that we and our fore- 
fathers, for many hundred years, were under the heavy burden 
and in the service of Egypt, (Exod. 10,) deceived by the false 
prophets, never heard the book of the law, the holy city, and 
temple lay waste, and were under the tyranny and dominion of 
Babylon, (2 Chron. 22, 25,) as heard above. The merciful Father 
had compassion on the pressing misery and tribulation of his 
people, and raised up to us the' true Moses, Zerubbabel, Christ 
Jesus, through his word and spirit ; now then, it becomes you, 
you high renowned lords and princes, since you and we boast 
of the same Christ, gospel, redemption and kingdom, that you 
no longer obstruct by your mandates and powers, the journey- 
ing of the people of God to the eternal promised land ; but you 
should favor them more, and prosper their journey by your gra- 
cious permission ; that you may hear and read with the venerable 
and pious Josiah, with a broken, meek heart, in the true fear of 
God, the lost book of the law of Christ, which was lost for a long 
time. Rend not your garments but your hearts ; for you are 
not only led off from the true path, but you are so much be- 
witched by the man of sin, (2 Thess. 2,) that you persecute the 
innocent, pious hearts, who injure neither you nor any one upon 
earth even the beast. 

That you would, with king Cyrus, release the poor captive 
children from the land of Chaldea, who cry and weep at the 
rivers of Babylon, (Ps. 136,) that they may again possess the 
spiritual land of Caanan, and build up the spiritual Jerusalem, 
the altar and the temple in their ancient city, (Jer. 30,) and 
establish the spiritual priesthood, and practice the spiritual 
offering and divine service according to the instructions of God's 
word, that they may no longer hear and observe the Babylonian 
laws, namely, men's commandments ; but Israel's law, God's 
word and righteousness. Although some of you, (alas how few !) 
are so far taught, through God's grace and word, as I trust, that 
you know, that neither usages nor councils, neither learning nor 
acuteness, nor subtlety, nor sword, nor mandate, can bend or 



116 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

break the word of the Most High, the word of truth, the word 
of the heavenly witness, the gospel of the kingdom, for other 
foundation cannot be laid to all eternity, than that which is 
laid, which is Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 3.) 

Therefere, wisdom cries : Turn at my reproof; behold I will 
pour out my spirit upon you, I will make known my words unto 
you. ( Prov. 1.) 

Love, righteousness ye rulers of the land. (Wis. 1.) 

Be wise, now, therefore, ye kings ; be instructed, ye judges 
of the earth, serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trem- 
bling, ( Ps. 2 ; ) for the king that honors wisdom shall rule 
forever. ( Wis. 6.) 

Do, therefore, with a meek heart, and in the fear of God, 
examine these our faithful instructions, and judge by Christ's 
own spirit and word, as much as in you is ; compare it with the 
doctrine and lives of the apostles, with the piety, love, usages, 
doings, misery, cross and sufferings of the primitive church ; I 
hope, by the grace of God, you may plainly comprehend that 
our doctrine is the infallible doctrine and ground of the scrip- 
tures. Read these our fundamentals, together with other 
books, appended to this, viz : the book concerning faith and its 
power ; concerning regeneration or the new creature ; of the 
cross, svfferings and persecution of the saints ; of excommuni- 
cation, ban or exclusion, with other tracts, published from 
time to time, you will then find, by the grace of God, that this 
doctrine is the unadulterated gospel, which the Lord taught by 
his own mouth, and which his holy apostles preached through 
the whole world, and by the power of the spirit testified thereto 
with life and death. Ours is no new doctrine, as the preachers 
without truth, pretend and persuade you ; but it is the old doc- 
trine, which was preached and practised in the church, fifteen 
hundred years ago, whereby the church was, is, and shall be 
borne, till the end. ( 1 Cor. 4 ; Gal. 4 ; 1 Pet. 1 ; James 1.) 

you high-renowned lords and princes, turn to the truth of 
God, and receive reproof, correction and wisdom; for through 
wisdom kings reign, and princes decree justice, ( Prov. 8,) and 
do observe how far your spirit, faith and lives differ from the 
Lord's spirit, word and life. 

Think you, dear sirs, that you are born to live only in great 
splendor, wantonness, gluttony and revelling, and lead a vain, 
sensual life ; that you are to follow on in your wantonness and ' 
pernicious lusts, as it pleases you, and be christians? O 
no, whosoever has not the spirit of Christ, is none of his. 
( Romans &.) 

Solomon says : As a roaring lion, and a raging bear ; so is 
a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 117 

understanding is also a great oppressor. The poet also well 
knew this, when he says : Quic quid delirant reges,plectantur 
Achivi; i. e. The mischief which kings do, the common people 
have to pay or atone for ; but a wise king disperseth the ungodly. 
( Prov. 28.) 

Therefore, beloved sirs, see well to it ; this is that to which 
you are called, namely : that you are to chastise and punish, in 
the true fear of God, with all equitable and just discretion, the 
open evil doers ; such as theives, murderers, buggerers, sodom- 
ites, adulterers, debauchers, menslayers, the violent, fornicators, 
sorcerers, robbers, &c, that you give each his portion, execute 
judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the 
hand of the oppressor, ( Isa. 22 ; ) that you are to prevent, by 
proper means, understand without tyranny and bloodshed, open 
deceivers, who so miserably lead poor, helpless souls, by hun- 
dreds of thousands into destruction, be they priests, monks, 
preachers, baptized or unbaptized ; so that they will no longer 
derogate from the almighty majesty of God, our only and 
eternal Saviour, Christ Jesus, the Holy Ghost, together with 
the word of grace ; nor introduce those ridiculous abuses and 
idolatry, under semblance of truth, as it happens from time to 
time, till now ; and thus you may, with all love and zeal, enlarge 
the borders of the kingdom of God without violence, blood or 
sword; assist it by your gracious permission, wise counsel; and 
with a pious, unblamable life defend it. 

Behold, beloved lords, this is your calling and your incumbent 
duty, ( Exod. 18, 23 ; Lev. 19 ; Deut. 17 ; 2 Chron. 19 ; Rom. 13; 
Tit. 13 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; ) and not domineer so maliciously over God's 
children and his word : as alas, many of you evidently do, and 
is customary. 

Such rulers were Moses, Joshua, David, Hezekiah, Josaphat, 
Josias, Zerubbabel, &c, they faithfully discharged their en- 
joined duties ; conformed to the word of God, protected their 
subjects with solicitous concern, obeyed the Lord's commands, 
abolished the false prophets and the priests of Baal, with their 
altars, groves and idolatry, and faithfully kept their people and 
country, to observe the ordinances of the Lord, his laws and 
divine service as commanded by Moses ; for they feared God, 
and had the book of the law to which they conformed, and by 
which they judged the people: and always remembered the 
Lord their God, who set them over his people as potentates and 
rulers. (Deut. 17.) 

They feared God with all their hearts, praised his name, and 
humbled themselves with all their strength, as David did, when 
he was girded with a linen ephod, and danced before the ark of 
the Lord, yea that he was even despised of his wife Michal ; but 



118 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

he said : I will play before the Lord, who chose me, and I will 
be yet more vile than this, in my own sight. (2 Sam. 6.) 

you high-renowned, noble lords, do believe Christ's word, 
fear G-od's wrath, love righteousness, do justice to widows and 
orphans, judge rightly between man and man, fear no man's 
highness ; despise no man's business, hate all avarice, chastise 
with discretion, suffer God's word to be taught in liberty, pre- 
vent none to walk in the ways of truth ; yield to his sceptre who 
called you to this high charge, and your throne shall stand fast, 
(Prov. 19; Wis. 6.) 

Now as the sceptre of Christ is an upright sceptre, ( Heb. 1 ) 
and teaches, judges and corrects every one, without respect to 
person, I, a poor and unlearned being must lay aside my diffi- 
dence, and grow bold in love, whereby I would desire to save 
your poor souls, and with Samuel reprove Saul, with Abdia 
reprimand Jeroboam, with Elias chide Ahab, with Isaiah repre- 
hend Hezekiah, with Nathan and Gad rebuke David of their 
misdeeds and transgressions, (4 Sam. 15 ; 1 Kings 13, 17, 18 ; 
Isa. 38; 2 Sam. 12, 24) and thus proclaim my Lord's spirit, 
word and will, who knows but there might be some one 
that will regard the fidelity and love of his poor minister,, 
hear his well-meaning voice and christian exhortation, and 
depart from an ungodly and evil way : thus some of the afore- 
mentioned kings heard the reproving word of the mouths of the 
prophets with fear, and reformed, and meekly received the 
word. 

And were it even so, that my faithful service and love, should 
be rewarded with death, as I have reason to suspect it may 
happen, because haughty and proud flesh is unwillingly reproved, 
but uses at all time its evil nature, however, nothing worse can 
happen me, than did the pious Isaiah of Manassah; Zachariah 
of Joaz ; Urias of Jachin, Abimelech and other priests of Saul ; 
(Chron. 24; 1 Samuel 22) John of Herod; Christ of Pilate and 
of the Scribes ; and as it happened to all the apostles and pious 
witnesses of the whole world. ( Matt. 7, 24, 26 ; Mark 15 ; Luke 
23 ; John 10.) 

1 do not esteem my life to be better and dearer than the 
beloved men of God did theirs. I can only be deprived of per- 
ishable and mortal flesh, which must once die, and return to 
dust. Should I even attain to the age of Methuselah, not a 
hair can fall from my head without the will of my heavenly 
father, (Gen. 5, 3; Matt. 10,) if I lose my life for the sake of 
Christ and his testimony, and on account my sincere love for 
my neighbor, I certainly know, that I will save it in life eternal, 
(Mark 8 ; Matt. 16,) therefore, I cannot conceal the truth ; but 
I must testify and reveal it in the true fear of God, to my be- 
loved lords. 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN" AUTHORITY. 119 

Beloved, noble lords, do learn to rightly know yourselves, 
whence you are, what you are, and what you will be. All of 
you, one as well as another, be he emperor or king, are from 
the same seed that we poor and unregarded are. and you came 
into this world as we, and you are no more than vapor, frail 
flesh, a withering flower, dust and ashes, as we all are. (James 
4 ; Isa. 4 ; 2 Pet. 1 ; Gen. 3 ; Sirach 10.) To-day you are kings 
and triumph in great and high houses, to-morrow you are laid 
low, and must be food for serpents and worms. 

Sirs, my beloved sirs, humble yourselves, righteous is he 
who will examine your case, and mighty is he, who will pass 
judgment upon you; his name is the Ruling Lord; he is the 
almighty, the holy, the terrible, the high adorable and omni- 
potent God, who created heaven and earth, and who has in 
the hands of his strength all majesty, power and dominion. 
Learn to know him ; learn to fear him. Awaken, look out, 
the time is not far off, when you will hear : Give an account 
of your stewardship, for you may no longer be steward, 
(Luke 16.) 

Do, therefore, not hear those who seek fat prebends and a 
lazy life, they deceive you, they teach you according to the lust 
of your hearts ; they flatter you for the sake of unlawful gain, 
they preach to you wanton deception according to their own 
opinion, and not out of the mouth of the Lord, they fatten their 
bodies, and have fine days, from the fatness of your poor souls, 
(beloved sirs, understand rightly what I mean,) although they 
boast much of the gospel ; hear them, who are not like the 
wind-shaken reed, ( Matt. 11,) those, who with John and Elias, 
are not so much frightened by the wilderness of misery, who 
suffer daily for the truth's sake, love gold and wood alike, who 
esteem all things alike, both praise and reproach, riches, and 
poverty, life and death, who seek only the honor of Christ, and 
the salvation of their beloved brethren, (Rom. 5 ; 1 Cor. 15,) 
and preach nothing but the pure, unmixed word of God, and 
seal it, with spirit, power and work, as it is commanded of 
Christ, and as it is proclaimed and taught through the whole 
world by his holy apostles. 

1 repeat it, hearken not, follow not, and believe not the multi- 
tude of the learned, who suffer themselves to be called doctors, 
lords and masters, for they are sensual and bloodthirsty, (Phil. 3 ; 
1 Cor. 4;) but seek and follow those who are the spectacle, filth 
of the earth, curse and offscouring, there you will find Christ's 
spirit, truth, power, works and life. And you will soon find, 
by the grace of God, that you are from Christ, with your 
doctrine, spirit, faith, baptism, life, church and all your doing, 
from Christ's spirit, doctrine, command, prohibition, ordinances 
and usa?e3, 



120 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

Say, you kings and rulers of the land : Where is your faith 
and love, with their pious nature ? Where is the fear of your 
God? Your lamp and light? And your unablamable, godly 
life, which is out of God ? Is it not all world and sensuality 
which you seek and follow ? We find, generally, in your houses 
and courts, nothing but extravagant pomp, and gorgeousness, 
pride, presumptuousness of heart, insatiable avarice, hatred, 
envy, backbiting, betraying, whoredom, debauchery, gaming, 
eating, drinking, dancing, swearing, stabbing, housebreaking, &c. 
This is your lordly custom and court conduct daring the whole 
course of your lives ; and you never once reflect on the misery, 
tribulation, humility, love and righteousness in which the Lord 
of lords, and King of kings, lived before you, what he taught 
the children of men, and what pattern or example he left them : 
the affliction and misery of the wretched reach not your ears ; 
the sweat of the poor we find in your houses, and the innocent 
blood in your hands ; you receive gifts and presents to pervert 
judgment, and you take counsel together against the Lord and 
his anointed. (Ps.2.) The prophets of Jezabel, and the priests 
of Baal, sensualists and flatterers, are much respected with 
you, they set upon soft cushions, and live well. But those who 
with Micha, (1 Chron. 18,) preach to you adversity and truth, 
must expect imprisonment and bonds, and death, and are de- 
serving of all disgrace ; yea, it has come so far (God better it,) 
that where four or five, ten or twenty have met in the name of 
the Lord, to speak of the word of the Lord, and to do his work, 
in whose midst Christ is, (Matt. 18,) who fear the Lord with all 
their heart, and lead an unblamable life before all the world ; 
but if they be apprehended, and complaint brought against them, 
they must then be devoured of fire, or be destroyed by the 
sword, or sink into the depths of the waters. 

But they who have met in the name of Baal, a meeting of 
all manner of mischief, who exceed Sodom and Gomorrah far 
in wickedness, where all manner of inhuman things are carried 
on between man and man ; and between woman and woman ; as 
it is in Spain, in Italy, and in the cloisters, &c. Public brothel- 
houses, theatres, fencing-schools, and the accursed drunken 
taverns, where many live in open disgrace, and act so shame- 
fully against God's word. Such live in all unmolestedness and 
at peace. 

I mention not the public assemblies of all manner of idolatry, 
where the most high, blessed and precious name of God is so 
miserably blasphemed, the blood of Christ despised, the Holy 
Ghost grieved, and the truth digraced, and lies commended, 
poor souls depeived, and the blind, ignorant people are not only 
directed to the holy water, bread, wine and the mass, but also 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 121 

to the dumb idols, of wood and stone, as, alas ! it may be so 
extensively witnessed. 

my beloved lords, what are you doing? Where is the 
sword of righteousness which was given to you, of which you 
boast ? You have to acknowledge that you leave it in the scab- 
bard, and in its stead you have drawn the sword of unrighteous- 
ness. Yes, beloved sirs, things are so, (God better it,) that the 
prophets cry and call with propriety : Thy princes are rebellious, 
and companions of thieves ; every one loveth gifts, and followeth 
after rewards; they judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause 
of the widow come unto them : therefore saith the Lord of hosts, 
the mighty one of Israel, Ah ! I will ease me of mine adversaries, 
and avenge me of mine enemies. (Isa. 1.) 

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one is wise in thee to their 
power to shed blood. In thee have they set light by father and 
mother, in the midst of thee they have dealt by oppression with 
the stranger ; in thee they have vexed the fatherless and widow ; 
they are like the devouring wolves to shed blood and destroy 
souls for their avarice sake ; behold, therefore, says the Lord, 
I have smitten my hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast 
made, and at thy blood which hath been shed in the midst of 
thee. (Ezek. 22.) 

Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their 
beds ! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is 
in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take 
them by violence ; and houses, and take them away : so they 
oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. 
Therefore, thus saith the Lord : Behold against this family do 
I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks ; 
neither shall ye go haughtily; for this time is evil. (Micha 2.) 

Hear, heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel ; 
is it not for you to know judgment who hate the good and love 
the evil ? You pluck off their skin from off them, and their 
flesh from off their bones ; who also eat the flesh of my peo- 
ple, and flay their skins from off them, and you break their 
bones and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh 
within the caldron. Therefore, when you shall call unto the 
Lord, he will not hear, he will even hide his face at that time, 
as you have behaved yourselves ill. (Micha 3.) 

Wo to her that is filthy and polluted to the oppressing city ! 
she obeyed not the voice ; she received not correction ; she 
trusted not in the Lord : she drew not near to God. Her princes 
within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; 
they gnaw not the bones till the morrow, her prophets are light 
and treacherous persons ; her priests have polluted the sanctuary, 
they have done violence to the law, the just Lord is in the midst 

11 



122 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

thereof; he will do no iniquity: every morning doth he bring 
his judgment to light, he failethnot; but the unjust knoweth 
no shame. I have cut off the nations ; their towers are deso- 
late : I laid their streets to waste, that none passeth by. (Zeph. 
3; Hos. 3.) 

There are but few of you, I fear there is scarcely one, who 
seeks the Lord with all their heart, fears, loves, and serves him ; 
therefore, will also the fury of God be poured out upon you like 
water, and the sword of his wrath will come upon you, as may 
be seen daily in many places ; God better it. 

To you, says the wise man, power is given of the Lord, and 
sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works and 
search out your counsel : because being ministers of his king- 
dom, ye have not judged aright nor kept the law, nor walked 
after the counsel of God ; horribly and speedily shall he come 
upon you ; for a sharp judgment shall be to them that are in 
high places. For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but 
mighty men shall be mightily tormented. For he who is Lord 
over all shall fear no man's person, neither shall he stand 
in awe of any man's greatness : for he hath made the small 
and great, and careth for all alike. But a sore trial shall come 
upon the mighty. (Wis. 6.) 

Therefore, beloved lords, take heed that you rightly execute 
your responsible and dangerous office according to the will of 
God ; since, many of you, I fear, until now, alas ! thought very 
little on it, and hence it is that anti-christ rises up with his 
wickedness, and Christ is rejected with his righteousness ; lay to 
heart what is written : Keep thee far from a false matter ; and 
the innocent and righteous slay thou not; for I will not justify 
the wicked, says the Lord. (Exod. 22.) 

Here I well know that we have to hear of Munster, of kings, 
of dominions, of polygamy, of sword, of theft, of murder and 
the like abominations and disgrace, which, you always assert, 
result from baptism ; and under this pretext you reprove every 
thing the mouth of the Lord commanded, and what the holy 
apostles taught and practised, and instead^ thereof, you bring 
forth seditious sects and factions, who sanction the call of the 
learned and blood-shedding. 

No, my beloved sirs, it will not acquit you in the day of the 
righteousness of God. I tell you the truth in Christ ; notice the 
rightly baptized disciples of Christ, (Luke 22) who are baptized 
inwardly with spirit and fire, and externally with water, (Matt. 
10) baptized according to the word of God ; they know of no 
weapons other than patience, hope, quiet, (Isa. 30) and God's 
word, these, says Paul, are the weapons of our warfare, and are 
not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 123 

holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that 
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into 
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor, 10.) 
Our weapons are not weapons with which cities and countries 
are desolated; walls and gates broken down and human blood 
shed in torrents like water, but they are weapons with which 
the spiritual kingdom of the devil is destroyed, and the ungodly 
passions are annihilated, and the flinty hearts are broken, that 
have never been sprinkled with the heavenly dew of the holy 
word. We own no other weapons besides, the Lord knows it, 
and should we be torn into a thousand pieces ; and although as 
many false witnesses were to rise up against us, as there are 
spears of grass in the fields, and as numerous as the grains of 
sand of the sea shore. 

Once more : Christ is our fortress ; patience our defence ; the 
word of God our sword ; and our victory is a candid, firm un- 
feigned faith in Jesus Christ. We let those take spears and 
swords, who, alas, regard human blood and swine's blood alike. 
He that is wise let him judge what I mean. (Luke 11 ; Heb. 4; 
Eph. 6 ; 1 John 5.) 

We do acknowledge, beloved sirs, that some of the false 
prophets were baptized externally in appearance, with us, with 
the same baptism ; even as thieves, murderers, highway robbers, 
sorcerers and the like, were baptized with you ; but they were 
not of us ; for had they been of us, as John says, they would no 
doubt have continued with us. 

Christ says : False prophets and false Christ's will arise, and 
do great signs and wonders, and if it were possible, would de- 
ceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. (Matt. 24.) 

His warning of Christ was not given to the ungodly, obdu- 
rate despisers for they are already entangled in the snares of 
unrighteousness, but is given to the contrite of heart and to 
the willing souls, so that they might learn to know the spir- 
itual, and suffer themselves not to be led into error ; for the 
devil, says Peter, goes about, seeking the righteous, as a roar- 
ing lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet. 5.) 

The craftiness and artifice of the devil, who assumes the 
appearance of an angel of light, are not known by some, there- 
fore, have so many stumbled and erred, and were alas, led into 
crooked paths by the deceivers: (Rev. 2; 2 Cor. 11) but this 
was not through baptism ; for the elementary water can neither 
teach, nor pervert, but it was done through false prophets, of 
which, I say, we have been so faithfully warned by the Lords' 
own mouth. 

Beloved sirs, fear God, judge rightly ; the truth of God can 
never be changed into seduction and error, through the lies of 



124 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

the devil. But the word of our God shall stand forever. (Isa. 
40; 1 Pet. 1.) 

Should the devout angels be unjustly judged, for the sake of 
Lucifer's arrogance and be punished with his punishment : 
or should all the apostles be traitors, for Judas' sake ? By no 
means. Every one shall bear his own burden. The son shall 
not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear 
the iniquity of the son. The soul that sinneth it shall die. 
(Ezek. 18.) 

Should we reproach the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, 
because the father of lies has resuscitated, in the name of Christ, 
the practice of circumcision as essential to salvation. That the 
dead will not rise in the day of judgment ? (1 Cor. 16.) 

That Philetus and Hymenius asserted that the resurrection 
of the dead has already taken place ? (2 Tim. 2.) That some pre- 
tended that the great day of the Lord was at hand? (2 Th. 2.) 

How could the apostle help it, that the Nicolatians had their 
wives common, as Eusebias relates ? 

That the Ebionites denied the deity of Christ, and taught that 
Christ began only to exist in Mary. 

And that the Corinthians maintained, that the world was cre- 
ated by angels ; that Christ was no more than a mere man, 
and had not yet risen, but is to rise with us in future, and that 
he would reign one thousand years in the flesh with his saints ? 

All these sects arose in the days of the apostles, nevertheless 
the gospel of Christ remained the true gospel, the doctrines of 
the apostles the true doctrine. 

The scriptures say that we are to flee and avoid such leaders 
of sects and heretics ; and we hope to obey willingly the in- 
junction all the days of our lives. (Rom. 16 ; 2 Tim. 2 ; Tit. 3 ; 
2' John 1.) 

Therefore, my beloved sirs, do pass an impartial and rational 
judgment in this matter, as before God, who will judge you in the 
great day ; this we ask of you for Jesus' sake ; for we seek nothing 
else upon earth, (the Lord knows,) than the true ground of the 
truth, the praise of Christ, the obedience of his word, and that 
with a good conscience, as we testify to the whole world, with 
our writings, word, possessions, blood, life and death. 

We also write the truth in Christ and lie not, that we ac- 
knowledge spiritually no king, neither in heaven above nor upon 
earth beneath, than the only, eternal and true king spiritual 
David, Christ Jesus, who is Lord of lords, King of kings. 
(Ps. 2, 47; Isa. 33; Jer. 53; Zach. 9; Matt. 21; John 12; 
1 Cor. 2; Heb. 7; Eev. 17, 19.) 

And if there is one who will declare himself king in the 
kingdom and dominion of Christ, as did John von Leyden, of 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 125 

MuDster, he shall not go unpunished with Adonai, (1 King 1,) 
for the true Solomon, Christ Jesus himself, must possess the 
kingdom, and sit eternally upon the throne of David. (1 Sam. 7; 
1 King 8; Ps. 89 ; Isa. 9 ; Luke 1.) 

But, according to the flesh, we teach and exhort to be obe- 
dient to the emperor, king, lords and princes, yea, to all in 
power, in all their transactions and civil regulations, so far as 
they are not contrary to the word of God. (Matt. 17, 22 ; Kom. 
13; ITira. 2; Tit. 3; 1 Pet, 2.) 

We teach and confess that we know of no sword, nor com- 
motion in Christ's kingdom or church, other than the sharp 
sword of the spirit, God's word (as is abundantly shown in our 
writings,) which is sharper and more piercing than any two- 
edged sword, and it proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, 
(Rev. 1, 2, 19,) whereby we make the father mutinous against 
the son, and the son against the father, the mother against the 
daughter, aud the daughter against the mother, and daughter- 
in-law against the mother-in-law. (Matt. 10.) But the sword of 
worldly policy we leave it to those to whom is committed. 
(Rom. 13 ; 1 Pet. 2.) Let every one be careful and not take 
the sword, lest he shall perish with the sword. (Gen. 9 ; 
Matt. 26.) 

We acknowledge, teach, and approve of no other matrimony 
than that one, which Christ and his apostles publicly and plainly 
taught in the New Testament, namely, one man and one woman, 
(Matt. 19 ; Mark 10 ; Eph. 5,) and that they may not be divorced 
except in case of adultery, (Matt. 5 ; Mark 10,) for the two are 
one flesh, (Gen.. 2; Mark 19; Matt. 10; Eph. 5;) and if the 
unbelieving depart, a sister or brother is not under bondage in 
that case. (1 Cor. 7.) 

We acknowledge, teach and seek no kingdom other than 
the kingdom of Christ, which shall and are for ever, in which 
there are no pomp, splendor, gold, silver, meat and drink, but 
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost ; (Rom. 14,) 
for we confess with Christ, that our kingdom is not of this world, 
we brought nothing into this world, therefore, it is evident we 
can not take any thing out of it, as the scriptures say. (James 
1 ; 1 Tim. 6.) 

We know of no murdering, much less do we teach or permit 
it ; for we truly believe that a murderer has neither lot nor part 
in the kingdom of heaven. (Rom. 1 ; Gal. 5; John 3 : Rev. 21, 
22.) beloved sirs, how should we desire the blood of any man, 
since we have to die daily for man's sake ? And the Lord who 
created us knows that we seek nothing, but that we might 
instruct, and be a pattern to, all the world, with our doctrine, 
life, blood and death, that they might reflect, observe, awaken, 

11* * 



126 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

repent and be saved, for tbis is the nature of pure love to pray 
for persecutors, to render good for evil, to love the enemy, to 
heap coals of fire upon the head ; and let him avenge who 
judges rightly. (Deut. 32 ; Prov. 25; Heb. 10; Rom. 12; Matt. 
5; 1 Cor. 13.) 

We know of no theft much less do we teach or permit it, but 
we are ready before God and man, with all our hearts, to com- 
municate our own possessions, and all we have, however little 
it may be, and in addition thereto our sweat and labor, to meet 
the necessities of the poor, as the Lord's spirit and word, 
and true brotherly love teach us, (Deut. 15; Isa. 58; Job 4; 
Matt. 5; Luke 6; Rom, 12 ; Gal. 6 ; E.ph.4; Col. 3; Heb. 13 ; 
2 Pet. 1 : 2 John 3, 4, 5,) and we well know that theft is ex- 
pressly forbidden in the scriptures, (Exod. 20; Deut. 5; Rom. 
13 ; Eph. 4;) and that theft is to be punished by death accord- 
ing to the laws of the land, and with eternal death according to 
the word of God, if not repented of. (1 Cor. 6.) 

The almighty merciful Lord will undoubtedly keep and pre- 
serve, by his paternal grace, spirit and power, inoffensive to the 
end of the world, all the pious and god-fearing who acknowledge 
him, and are sincere, from all such terrible errors and ungodly 
abominations. 

And should it be the case, that one of those be found among 
us who use violence, (which is quite unknown to me,) and would 
do that which is from the devil, my beloved sirs, know you that 
such an one was not of us from the beginning, and will eternally 
be, not of us, except he be thoroughly converted, repent sin- 
cerely, and become one with the spirit, doctrine and example of 
Christ, as the scriptures teach. May the gracious Lord grant 
that they may awaken, overcome their drowsiness, learn to 
know their works, see their nakedness, and be extricated from 
the snares o.f the devil, by which the poor miserable people are 
so lamentably led captive at his will. 

Therefore, beloved lords, beware that you be not in your 
belief, like the abandoned and senseless in judgment, who persist 
without any knowledge of the matter, in their own opinion and 
wantonness, like irrational creatures, upbraid the good, and praise 
the evil, persecute and condemn what they understand not. 
Again, I say, be not like those blood-thirsty, raging and malicious 
men; but do examine the scriptures with quaking, (1 King 3,) 
pray with Solomon, for wisdom, look to the spirit, word, doings 
and example of Christ, and pass an impartial righteous sentence, 
according to the truth, as it is enjoined upon, and commanded 
to all the princes and judges in the scriptures, as is heard. 
(Exod. 13, 23 ; Deut. 4, 17 : 2 Chron. 19 ; Jer. 22 ; Rom. 13.) 

O beloved sirs, do take heed. If our faith, doctrine, sacra- 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 127 

merits, transactions and doings are not of God, as we are every 
where slandered, then are we the most miserable of all men 
upon earth ; if whilst we are to be every one's deceiver, heretic, 
ana-baptist, knave, footstool and prey ; and have to endure the 
stocks, gallows, wheels, sword, fire, water, and all manner of 
misery ; and our poor souls must nevertheless be the property 
of the devil, and brands of hell, although in our weakness we 
so cordially seek the Lord, and are so sincere, as may be seen. 
no! my beloved sirs, no; the spirit, doctrine and life of 
Christ will not deceive us ; for his word is truth, and his com- 
mands eternal life. (John 17 ; John 13 ) God's promises 
stand sure and immovable ; and they will not fail to be pious. 
(2 Tim. 2.) 

Therefore, we pray and admonish you, yea, we counsel and 
desire you that you would contrast our seeking with your seek- 
ing; our spirit with your spirit; our doctrine with the doctrine 
of the learned ; our conduct with your conduct ; our poverty 
with your riches ; our rejection and reproach with your seeking 
of honor; our affliction and tribulation with your voluptuous- 
ness and luxurious living; our patience with your tyranny; 
our hard bonds and reproachful death, with your ungracious 
raging, unmerciful implacableness. I speak of the guilty, if 
you should then find that your doctrine, faith, life, seeking and 
doings are more in accordance with the spirit, word and life of 
the Lord, and are better than ours, then instruct us with a 
paternal spirit, we will willing hear it, and be obedient, for we 
do desire to obey the truth till death. 

But if you can not reprove us by the scriptures, and see that 
ours is the better, it would then be heathenish, ungodly and 
tyrannical, to force us out of life unto death, thrust us from 
heaven into hell, this you have to acknowledge and confess. 
But, I am afraid, so much discretion will not be manifested to 
us-ward as that the matter be weighed in the balance of the 
holy word, and determined by the plummet of Christ. But the 
priest's upbraiding, betraying and rising up, and your unmerci- 
ful edicts must be our books, and your avengers, beadles, im- 
prisonment, rack, wafer, stocks, fire and sword, God, must be 
our instructions, which we, grieved children have to hear in 
many places, and finally have to pay them with our possession 
and blood. But how this agrees with Christ's spirit, doctrine 
and life, and with Christian discretion, my beloved sirs, may 
reflect a little more upon. We well know that all bloody 
preachers who teach and advise such things, and all the rulers 
who practise and uphold the same, are not the disciples of 
Christ; the hour in which you have to render accounts, when 
you have to depart this life, will teach you this truth. It can 



128 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

never be, says Cyprian, that such lion-like fury and lupine 
ferocity should dwell in the heart of a Christian. how good 
it would be for some of you — yea, how good it would be if you 
had never been born ; for there are so many of you who neither 
regard law nor gospel, heaven nor hell, God nor devil ; but the 
the evil flesh will follow its propensity. 

Think you, beloved sirs, that the Almighty God and Lord, 
who holds the heavens and the earth in the hollow of his hand, 
who slays and makes alive, (Isa. 40; 1 Sam. 2) the ruling Lord 
over all, who upholds all by the word of his power — who creates 
and destroys, (Heb. 2) the consuming fire, before whose pre- 
sence the hills melted like wax, (Ps. 97 ; Wis. 6) that he will 
yield and give away to sensual minds and earthly hearts ? No ! 
before him the great and small are alike ; the rich and the poor; 
the strong and the weak ; the learned and unlearned ; the wise 
and the foolish, are all alike. He is no respector of persons, 
(Deut. 10 ; 2 Chron. 19) all who fear him not, and conform not 
to his counsel, doctrine, spirit and example, be he emperor or 
king, , doctor or licentiate, he must suffer eternal punishment 
and be under his judgment and fury. (Rom. 2 ; Gal. 2.) 

Beloved sirs, fear God. do right, learn wisdom and truth, 
cleanse yonr hands, which are wet and imbrued in innocent 
blood, and reflect how the righteous God will punish in due 
time, all unrighteousness, malice and violence ; and how severely 
he ever did, and will avenge and require the innocent blood, 
torture and death of his saints, of those blood-thirsty tyrants. 

The blood-thirsty Cain had to be an accursed vagabond and 
exile in the land ail the days of his life, because he so miserably 
murdered his innocent brother Abel. (Gen. 4.) 

The unmerciful arrogant murderer, Pharoah, with his whole 
host, was destroyed in the Bed sea, by the righteous judgment 
of God, (Exod. 14,) on account of his tyranny and cruelty, 
which he exercised towards the children of Jacob, God's people. 
(Exod. 1, 5.) 

Joas was slain by his own servants to avenge the innocent 
blood of Zachariah, whom he slew between the temple and the 
altar. (2 Kings 12 ; 2 Chron. 24.) 

Mannassah was led captive on account of his great abomi- 
nation and idolatry which he practiced ; and on account of the 
innocent blood with which he filled Jerusalem. (2 Kings 21 ; 
2 Chron. 33.) 

Ahab was shot through with an arrow, and his blood was 
licked up by the dogs at the waters of Samaria, (1 Kings 21,) 
and his wife Jezebel was thrust out of the window, and was 
trodden under foot of horses, and her flesh was eaten of dogs, 
(2 Kings 9,) to punish her for her ungodly deed and the blood 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 129 

of Naboth, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake 
by Elijah, the Tishbite, (1 King 21.) 

Senacherib had to leave Jerusalem with disgrace, on account 
of his slanderously pompous words, by which he blasphemed 
the Most High. The angel of the Lord slew, in one night, one 
hundred and eighty-five thousand men, in his camp, and he was 
thrust through with the sword of his own children, in the temple 
of his idol, Nisroch. (Isa. 36, 37 ; 2 Kings 10.) 

Nebbuchadnezzar, for his pride's sake, was rejected of the 
people, for the space of seven times, was made like the irra- 
tional creatures, he ate grass like oxen, his body was wet with 
the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagle's feathers, 
and his nails like bird's claws. (Dan. 4.) 

Belshazzar caroused with his mighty men, princes, wives and 
concubines ; they were merry, drank out of the holy vessels 
which Nebbuchadnezzar, his father, had plundered out of the 
temple at Jerusalem ; and being in full glee, and praising their 
gods and idols of silver, iron and earth, the impenitent and 
obdurate tyrant was punished of God without mercy, that he at 
even, was deprived of his dominion and nation, body and life. 
(Dan. 5.) 

Antiochus, the Great, a king and prince of all wickedness, a 
tyrant of tyrants was punished of God with such a plague, that 
worms crept from his towels when yet alive, and pieces of flesh 
fell from his body, and the stench was so intolerable, that no 
one could endure it, yea, he himself could not abide his own 
smell. God's righteous fury laid hold upon this ungodly, mis- 
creant, and he had thus, under unheard of pain and sufferings, 
to end his proud, blood-thirsty, unrighteous life, and depart this 
world. (2 Mace. 9.) 

Herod, dressed in his royal attire and decorated, sat upon his 
throne, through the flattering applause of his people, on account 
of his eloquence and wisdom, exalted himself against God, in 
his heart, and in that very hour he was smitten of the angel of 
the Lord, and was eaten of worms. (Acts 12) and, according 
to Eusebius's writings, departed this life in such a way that all 
the proud, haughty tyrants may look at themselves in Herod's 
case, as in a mirror, and fear. 

In short, as it happened to Pilate, Nero, Domitian, Maxi- 
minius, Diocletian, ♦ and generally all malicious, blood-thirsty 
tyrants, and what kind of a death they generally died, who rose 
up against Christ and his saints, may be read both in sacred and 
profane history. 

What kind of death and with what conscience some of these 
blood-thirsty of our day, departed this life, I will not notice for 
certain reasons ; yet I will say so much, that neither emperor 



130 A CHRISTIAN AND AFFECTIONATE 

nor edicts, upon which they relied all the days of their lives, 
could quiet them in the hour of their death, but ofttirnes were 
very much concerned, with a sighing- heart, and with lamenta- 
tions, painfully bewailed the innocent blood, which they shed iu 
the emperor's name, and said : we poor miserable men, what 
shall we now do ? 

God what counsel? Beloved sirs, what counsel? How 
will your poor souls fare, in the day, in which the heavens shall 
pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with 
fervent heat ? (2 Pet. 3) the earth also, and the works that are 
therein shall be burnt up ? when we have all to appear before 
the judgment seat, and stand before the impartial judge? when 
every one shall receive according to his works ? (Rom. 2, 14 ; 2 
Cor. 5,) he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep, 
(Ps. 121.) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will 
come, and will not tarry, (Heb. 10.) 

Therefore, desist from touching the apple of the Lord's eye ; 
for he that touches his saints, touches the apple of his eye, 
(Zach. 2.) Shudder and be afraid for your own souls, which, 
have to suffer death eternally in the torments of hell, if you do 
not turn with all your heart to the Lord, and no longer shed 
the blood of the innocent ; for the daily call to him ; How long, 
Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our 
blood on them that dwell upon the earth \ (Rev. 6,) they call, I 
say, and their cries are entered into the ears of the Lord of 
Sabaoth, (James 5,) avenging he will avenge, and the blood of 
his servants he will require at your hands. 

Do not excuse yourselves, you beloved sirs, and judges, and 
say, that you are the servants of the emperor ; this will not 
acquit you in the day of vengeance. It availed Pilate nothing 
that he crucified Christ in the name of the emperor, for, instead 
of serving the emperor, as he thought, to retain his life ; honor, 
and glory, he thereby only incurred the displeasure of the em- 
peror, and lost all, and slew himself with his own hand, according 
to historians, as a warning to others. Then serve the emperor 
in imperial things, so far as the scriptures allow them, and are 
not contrary to God and his word ; and serve God in divine 
things ; then you may comfort yourselves with his grace. 

Do not interfere with the right and kingdom of Christ ; for 
he alone is the ruler of the conscience, and beside him there is 
none other, (Isa. 45,) let him be your emperor, and his holy 
word your edict, in this matter ; and you will soon be satiated 
with raging and murder, if not, then you are the judges of 
whom it is written in Micah: They all lie in wait for blood; 
they hunt every man his brother with a net. That they may 
do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the 



EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 131 

judge asketh for a reward ; and the great man he uttereth his 
mischievous desire : so they wrap it up. The best of them is a 
brier ; the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge ; the day 
of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh ; now shall be their 
perplexity, (Micha. 7.) 

Therefore, fight no longer against the lamb and his chosen, 
it will be hard for you to kick against the pricks. (Acts 9.) 

But you will, with all scoffers, say in your hearts : when is the 
promise of his coming? (2 Pet. 3.) beloved sirs, do pay 
attention, we have known so many who made as ostentatious 
display as you, in silk and velvet, with gold and silver, and sat 
in exalted seats, and. passed sentence upon innocent blood, but 
now they are no more; we enquire for their places, and they are 
not to be found. 

The day will usher in as lightning, and the hour shall come 
upon them like a tempest ; beware and reform. We see the tree 
bud, that the summer is nigh at hand, and our Eedeemer is 
hastening, who redeems all the troubled souls from their afflic- 
tions, and he will recompence all proud scoffers according to 
their demerits. (Luke 21.) 

Yea, the day is coming, and is not far off, when the righteous 
shall stand in great boldness before the face of such as have 
afflicted him, and made no account of his labors ; when they see 
it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed 
at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all they looked 
for — and they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall 
say within themselves : This was he, whom we had sometime in 
derision, and a proverb of reproach ; we fools accounted his life as 
madness, and his end as without honor; how is he numbered 
among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints ! 
Therefore, have we erred from the way of truth, and the light 
of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of 
righteousness arose not upon us. We wearied ourselves in 
the way of wickedness and destruction; yea, we have gone 
through deserts, where there lay no way ; but as for the way of 
the Lord, we have not known it, what hath pride profited us ? 
or what good hath riches with our vaunting brought us ? All 
those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post that 
hasteth by. (Wis. 5.) 

Then will the righteous intolerable judgment pass upon all 
who know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction 
from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, 
when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be adored 
by all them that believe, (Thes. 1,) the wicked will hear: De- 
part from me ye cursed, into the fire 'prepared for the devil 
and his angels. (Matt. 25.) 



132 EXHORTATION TO ALL IN AUTHORITY. 

Then shall your laughing be changed into weeping, your joy 
into sorrow, your sumptuous lives into death, your sensual plea- 
sures into eternal woe, your pride into dust and worms, your 
power into suffering, your pomp into stench, and your malicious, 
cruel and unmerciful tyranny be retributed with unquenchable 
hell-fire. (Luke 6 ; James 5.) 

My beloved sirs, with him nothing will be concealed and for- 
gotten, He is the judge that searches the hearts and tries the 
reins, who penetrates the heights of heaven and the depth of 
the abyss, and the length of the earth, (Ps. 7 ; Jer. 17; Rom. 
8,) who will not only judge and punish evil works, and every 
idle word, but also every unclean, sensual thought. (2 Cor. 5 ; 
Matt. 12; Isa. 66.) 

dear Lord ! Lord of lords ! where then will be the em- 
peror and his edicts — the false prophets, and their deceiving 
doctrine ? Then they will howl and weep, and cry in anguish of 
soul : ye mountains fall upon us, ye rocks hide us from the 
presence of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath 
of the Lamb. Then, there you will see, that it was nought but 
lies and wind with which vou comforted vourselves, as said. 
(Acts 6 ; Ps. 94 ; Heb. 3, 4, 10.) 

Beloved lords, awaken ! It is yet to-day : do not boast your- 
selves, because you are of royal family, and are called gracious 
lords, for it is but smoke, dust and pride ; but boast and rejoice 
when you are born of God, when you become a chosen genera- 
tion, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people ; that 
you should show forth the praises of him who called you out of 
darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Pet. 2.) 

Boast not that you are mighty upon earth, and have great 
power, but boast that you rule your land in the true fear of 
God, with virtue, wisdom and righteousness, to the praise of the 
Lord. 

Boast not that you can conquer and subdue lords, princes, 
cities and countries ; but boast if you subdue your earthly mind 
and can overcome sensual temptations by the power of faith, 
and die to ungodliness, and thus triumph through Christ, and 
be taken in the kingdom of glory, with all the pious soldiers of 
God, and that you may receive the promised crown at the hand 
of the Lord, then you will not only be needy and perishable 
lords and kings, according to the flesh, but eternal, spiritual 
kings, such as the prince, and the prince of kings, loves and 
washed them from sin by his blood, and made them kings and 
priests to God and his Father. (Rev. 1 ; 1 Pet. 2.) Such reign 
and conquer with all the children of God, the world, flesh, 
blood, sin, death, devil, false doctrine, and the infernal gates ; 
they rejoice not because their names are enrolled in the register 



APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 133 

of the kings of this world ; but they rejoice when their names 
are written in the book of life, in heaven. (Luke 10.) 

you high-renowned lords and princes, that you would in 
all love and meekness receive this simple, ] lain, true instruction 
of your poor servant, and not despise it, whereby I have so 
fully, and with a good heart, admonished all your worthy high- 
nesses. 

Look not upon my small person or to my little understanding, 
but look to Christ's spirit, word and example, which I have 
recommended and taught in sincerity of heart to you and to all 
men, according to my weak abilities. 

Do heartily repent, so that you may stand before God ; wail 
and weep with David ; put on sackcloth and ashes, (2 Sam. 12 ; 
Ps. 51,) humble yourselves with the king of Ninevah ; confess 
your faults with Manassah, (Jonah 3 ; 2 Chron. 33 ;) die unto 
your ambitious flesh and pride ; fear the Lord, your God, with 
all your powers ; deal honestly in the things entrusted and com- 
manded you ; seek the kingdom and country that will endure 
forever ; and reflect that you, however highly esteemed, are 
only pilgrims upon earth and sojourners and strangers, as well 
as all other men, (Heb. 11,) even as we have abundantly heard 
and perceived. 

Obey, believe, fear, love, serve and follow your Lord and 
Savior, Jesus Christ, for he it is before whom every knee shall 
bow: he is God's eternal word, wisdom, truth and Son, (John 
1. Eev. 19 ; Phil. 2 ; Luke 11 ; John 14.) Seek his honor and 
praise in all your thoughts, words and actions, and you shall 
reign in eternity. (Wis. 6.) 



APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 

Herewith I will leave all the lords and princes, with all the 
magistracy and rulers, and those sent by them, in the hands of 
the Lords and address myself to you, you learned, you, who 
think that you have the keys of heaven, (Luke 11 ; Rom. 2,) and- 
are the eyes and the light of the people, I will speak with you, 
as with those whose salvation I seek with all my heart, because 
I see with open eyes, that both you and your disciples run vol- 
untarily into the eternal destruction of your souls, and never- 
theless boast yourselves nothing less than that you are the sent 
teachers, and your church is the church, of Christ; and would 
have you all, one with another, Romans, Lutherans and Zuin- 
glians, admonished faithfully and in brotherly love, concerning 
the following articles : 

12 



134 APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 

That you would notice, in the first place, that your ministry 
and services are not of God and his word, but are from the bot- 
tomless pit, (Rev. 9,) for it is evident that you blaspheme and 
persecute Christ's word, ordinances and commands, and teach 
and enforce anti-christ's word, ordinances and commands ; that 
you profane God's temple, you build up and honor temples of 
stone, break the living images in which the spirit of God dwells, 
and make and dress up images of gold, silver and wood: that 
you hate a pious, blameless life, and you encourage and defend 
by your dissolute examples, a disorderly, frantic life of the flesh. 
Say, my beloved sirs, where is there a single letter in the scrip- 
tures concerning all your doings and divine services, such as of 
masses, infant baptism, auricular confession, &c ? Is not, in 
truth, the greater part of what you do and transact, all decep- 
tion, hypocrisy, blasphemy, abomination and idolatry? Whence 
are your offices and services, and of whom are they? I advise 
you, in true love, that you would reflect, with the scriptures, in 
the true fear of God, upon these things. 

Secondly. Do reflect what is required of you in this your ser- 
vice and office. You and I, heretofore, stood in the same call, 
office and service ; 1 candidly confess that in all my studies, 
from my youth on, in preaching and singing, I sought only a 
vain, lazy, good living, praise and favor of men, yea, gluttony, 
till the gracious and great Lord bestowed me the gift of his 
spirit, and opened my understanding, that I acknowledged with 
the preacher Solomon, that all my seeking, life and doings were 
vanity, and that the end thereof was certain death and hell. 

But that you continue so to seek is too palpable to be denied. 
For if there were no prebends and cloisters, but few preachers, 
priests and monks would be found. This I certainly know. But 
as long as those exist, the world shall never be in want of de- 
ceivers and hypocrites. 

Say, beloved, what else is your whole seeking and doing, than 
world, carnality, gluttony, and a voluptuous life? Who can 
scrutinize and fully describe your earthly mind and sensual life? 
Some of you make an ostentatious display in ermine, in silk and 
velvet, others live in full revelry, others are avaricious and hoard 
up, some deflower virgins and maids, others defile and pollute 
their neighbor's bed, others chastity is like that of Sodoms, all 
your doctrine is deceiving, your sacraments are enchanting, 
your piety is principally ungodliness, and your divine service is 
an open abomination and idolatry; some of you neither fear 
God nor the devil ; God's name you blaspheme, his holy word 
you falsify, his children and servants you persecute, and, in 
reliance upon his grace, you do all manner of evil ; if you can 
only lead a life free from care, and enjoy fine times, then all is 



APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 135 

well done. Say, beloved, is it not so ? Worthy men, is it not so ? 
This is your chief seeking and striving, among great and small 
— this you must acknowledge and confess ; for the fruit is mani- 
fest to all the world, and it cannot be any longer concealed. 

men*! do beware ! If any one could enter into life, on this 
broad way which you teach, and in which you walk, and keep 
his soul in God, who would not lament and say, that the pro- 
phets, the apostles, and all the witnesses of God, and also 
Christ Jesus himself, did not act wisely and prudently, and that 
they have not done rightly towards us, that they passed their 
lives with so much anguish, suffering, tribulation and pain in 
this grievous vale of tears, and directed us, miserable, weak 
children into such a way. 

no, my beloved, no; truth will eternally be truth; if you 
are not converted to a better and christian mind, (John 3 ; 
Kom. 8; Luke 11 ;) if you die not to your deceiving, and also 
to your vain flesh and avaricious life,;repent, and become in 
your dispositions like innocent little children, you cannot enter 
the kingdom of heaven : For to be carnally minded, says Paul, 
is death. (Rom. 8.) 

Teach, call, hope, boast in any way you choose, if you think to 
be saved, you must walk in the ways of the Lord, hear his word, 
and be obedient thereto ; for nothing avails in heaven and upon 
earth, whereby you can be saved, neither baptism nor the Lord's 
supper, neither eloquence nor erudition, neither councils nor 
long standing usages, neither emperors nor edicts, neither Christ 
with his grace, merits, blood and death, if we are not born of 
God, (understand it right, those who have ears to hear, and 
minds to understand,) believe his word with all the heart, walk 
in the light, do right, as John says : This, then, is the message 
which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is 
light, and in him is no darkness at all : if we say that we have 
fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the 
truth : bat if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have 
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his 
Son, cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1.) 

transgressors, transgressors, examine your hearts, give heed 
to my words and learn wisdom, you who live in voluptuousness 
and sit at ease, who say in your hearts : It is we, besides us 
there is none other ; what we command must and shall be heard, 
and what we speak must be valid upon earth ; we cannot go 
astray in the scriptures, and in counsel we cannot err, and we 
can teach nothing unlawful. Ah ! alas ! your great boasting, 
your wisdom deceives you; return, your path is slippery, and 
your way leads to the abyss of hell. 

Worthy men, do learn to know what God's own and eternal 



136 APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 

Son, Christ Jesus, sought upon earth, what he taught, and what 
pattern he left you ; his seeking was his father's praise, and the 
salvation of our poor souls : his doctrine was his father's word, 
and his precedence a sure way to the kingdom of God. Who 
being in the form of God, says Paul, thought it not robbery to 
be equal with God, but he made himself of no reputation, and 
took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the like- 
ness of men, came poor and miserable into this grievous world ; 
he had no room in the inn when he was born ; (Luke 9,) he had 
not a pillow in the days of his ministry wheron to lay his head ; 
nor in his death had he wherewith to quench his thirst, (Matt. 
27,) although it is he through whom the almighty, all-bountiful 
Father grants to all his created beings, residence, clothing, meat 
and drink, as Paul says : For ye knew the grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he 
became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich. 
(2 Cor. 8.) 

If you have any fear of God, and would not lead your own and 
the souls of your poor people wilfully to death, then contrast 
your seeking with Christ's, your doctrine with the doctrine of 
Christ, your spirit with Christ's spirit, and your life with the life 
of'Christ, then you will and can truly find whether you are in or 
out of Christ, who is your God, what Lord you serve, and of 
whose spirit and kingdom you are. 

Thirdly. Observe what fruits and usefulness your office and 
services bring forth ; for what is your doctrine other than a use- 
less, feeble sowing in the wind, which has neither spirit nor 
power ; your sacraments are encouragement to the impenitent, 
and your lives are examples of wickedness. Where are the 
avaricious whom you have meliorated — the drunkards you made 
temperate — the polluted you have made pure — the haughty 
whom you have humbled ? How will you teach others and you, 
yourselves, are untaught, and beget Christ an acceptable church, 
(James 2,) and you, yourselves, are yet anti-christ's servants, 
and the children of Belial? You must confess, therefore, and 
your disciples, both high and low, men and women, are all dead 
bodies, and have not God's spirit; for with you we do not find 
contrite hearts, true knowledge of Christ, true love, an earnest 
desire after the kingdom of God, dying to earthly things, true 
humility, righteousness, friendliness, mercy, chastity, obedience, 
wisdom, truth and peace ; but by all means, hatred, envy, ob- 
durate, malicious, furious hearts, an aversion and despising of 
the divine word, lust and love of this world, haughtiness, pride, 
pomp, lies, knavery, disgrace, adultery, whoredom, robbery, 
burning, slaying, cursing, swearing, and all manner of malice. 

Behold, you withered trees, (Jude 1,) and careless shepherds, 



APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 137 

these are the fruits you bring forth and bear, and the sheep you 
pasture, these are the churches and disciples you comfort with 
the Lord's blood, preach to them grace and peace, and to whom 
you dispense baptism and the Lord's supper. If I write not the 
truth, reprove me. 

beloved sirs, so entirely have you lost every christian 
virtue, understanding, and light, and the scriptures, and held 
captive in ungodliness under the power of hell, the poor, igno- 
rant people — whole kingdoms, cities and countries, yea, the 
whole wide world, and that God ! for such small hire, namely, 
for hands full of barley and pieces of bread, as the prophet says. 
! that these things were not true ; clear is sunshine, but 
clearer is the truth which I write. 

And this is not enough for you, you men, that you so 
miserably deceive the poor wretched souls, and besides this, you 
also rebuke, defame, belie, and betray all those who seek and 
fear G-od with all their hearts and rebuke all unrighteousness 
with doctrine and life, and so willingly walk in Christ. You 
deprive them of their possessions and lives that you may enjoy 
great honor among the people, and be not evil spoken of in your 
doings, that you be not hindered in your ungodly and unlawful 
gain, be at ease to the end of your days. 

how rightly you are depicted by the wisdom of God, which 
says : Wo unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites, for ye 
shut up the kingdom of heaven against men : for ye neither go 
in yourselves, (take notice,) neither suffer ye them that are 
entering to go in. 

What I think, I write, and dissemble not. I fear, worthy sirs, 
that there are many of you so ungodly, and are so far bent upon 
unlawful gain, indolent life, and the praise of men, that you 
would rather see all the god-fearing put to the stake, than lose 
a guilder of your rents, or to hear a harsh word from the magis- 
tracy, for truth's sake. 

O you, with wanton looks, when will you be ashamed ? You 
diamonds ! when will you be softened, and you Moors, when will 
you be washed white ? I think never more ; for how can you 
do anything good, because you have learned evil, and are used 
to it from your infancy ? (Jer. 3 ; Zach 7 ; John 13.) 

Alas ! my soul must for your sake, be grieved and has pain- 
fully to lament that you err so lamentably, and besides, cover 
all your disgrace under Christ's word and name, and do not 
observe, you men, that you, together with all the false pro- 
phets, are promised in the scriptures, and threatened by the 
spirit of the Lord, every where with nothing but punishment, 
wrath, damnation and blackness of darkness, the naming lake 
and eternal gnashing of teeth, weeping wailing and death. 

12* 



138 APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 

The hour is near at hand when we shall and must hear : give 
an account, &c. (Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; Jude 1 ; 
Rev. 21, 22 ; Luke 26.) Alas, would it then be due to us, when 
the day is at hand, to walk a thousand years on burning coals 
and in red hot gauntlets, (flames.) then we might even rejoice 
and be of good cheer ; but now it is hidden from your eyes, 
through your haughtiness, avarice and momentary luxury. 
(Luke 19.) 

Perhaps I should be smitten on the cheek by some of you, 
and with Micah must hear of Zedekiah. Which way went the 
spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee? (2 Chron. 18.) 

my beloved, fear God and understand the truth. You direct 
the poor dissolute souls to the subtlety and philosophy of the 
learned, to the many councils, to customs and usages of long 
standing, to imperial edicts, to the doctrines and commandments 
of men, which are nothing but quicksands, which cannot save 
the house from the tempest, (Matt. 7,) but I do not so, I direct 
you to Moses, (Deut. 18,) add to the prophets, with the 
apostles, angels, and the Father himself, to Christ Jesus, to 
whom all the emperors, kings, councils, usages and the learned, 
have to yield ; lor his word is truth, and his commands are 
eternal life. To him every knee shall bow, of things in heaven 
and things in earth, and things under the earth ; all who reject 
him, reject the Father that sent him, (Isa. 6, 7 ; Jer. 35 ; Luke 

1 ; Matt. 17; John 7, 12; Phil. 2.) 

This I teach you, I direct you to his spirit, word, life, com- 
mand, prohibition, ordinances and usages, as to a sure and im- 
movable foundation, laid in Zion, to a plain and safe way, 
prepared of God, who, according to all his sure promises, will 
lead all the trulv penitent and Christian believers into eternal 
life. 

Beloved men, do observe there, were four hundred false 
prophets in the days of Ahab, king of Israel, who unanimously 
prophecied prosperity and felicity, that he should go out and 
meet his enemies, for God would give the king's enemies into 
his hands ; but there was but one Micha, spoke the truth and 
predicted adversity in the name of the Lord. (2 Chron. 18.) 

And there were also four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, 
and there were four hundred prophets of the groves which ate 
at Jazabel's table ; but there was only one Elijah, a man of 
God, and a prophet of th.e Lord, who was zealous for the law 
of his God, and defended the praise of God. (1 Kings 18.) 

Joas, with all the princes, priests and common people, all 
were unanimous in their groves and their false worship, which 
they had chosen after the death of Jehoida, the high priest, 
and there was but one Zacharias, who reproved the ungodly 



APPEAL TO THE LEARNED. 139 

abominations, and threatened them with wrath and punishment 
of his God. (2 Chron. 24.) 

Even as those renowned and worthy men of God, though they 
were few at all times, reproved, with pure, divine ardor, in the 
power of the spirit, and faithfully admonished by the law of God 
with their groat and glorious talents, all the disobedient aud 
idolatrous kings, princes, priests and the common people, with- 
out respect to persons; and on account thereof suffered misery, 
tribulation, bonds and death, as we may abundantly read and 
see in the scriptures and histories ; I do also here, with my small 
talents, for similar views and reasons, openly testify, because 
I see with my eyes, that you all hypocritically flatter lords and 
princes, soothe the world ; and, alas, that will, with his Lord's 
word, attack the ungodly life, reprove the wickedness of men ; 
and therefore, as the aforementioned had to do, have not to hear 
and endure a little, although I mean it well, and have such a 
true ground. 

worthy men, deliberate, reflect on the matter. Consider 
the end — contemplate the consequence. You trust to the in- 
vention of men ; but we put our trust in God's word and truth, 
you seek the world, we seek heaven ; you place your affections 
upon the present, we upon the future ; you depend upon the 
emperor and temporal powers; we depend on Christ and his 
promises, till we all shall appear before him, who will come in 
the clouds of heaven, to requite all flesh ; then you will see 
what you sought, what office you conducted, what fruits you 
brought forth, for what hire you served, whose word you preach- 
ed, whose council you rejected, and whom, men, you so en- 
viously stabbed. 

Hereby I will commit you to the Lord, you learned a*nd 
preachers ; and entreat for God's sake, (to the good of all your 
souls,) that you accept this my faithful warning with gratitude 
and love, written to you, in sincere and Christian love, (inten- 
tion,) read it. with an understanding heart, reflect upon it, and 
examine it with fear and trembling. I certainly know that you 
will find nothing in it but a kindness, love, zeal, and a sure 
foundation of eternal and invincible truth. 

And though some of you may think that I reprove too severely, 
you ought to know that I have not done so without the instruc- 
tion, counsel and doctrine of the holy prophets, Christ and the 
apostles. I have given no name without the word of God. He 
that is innocent, thank God and rejoice ; but he that is guilty, 
is not reproved by me, but by God's spirit and word. 

0, my well-wishing friends, fear God and his judgment; re- 
form your earthly sensual life, abandon all your deceptions, 
blindness, seducements and abominations, in which you have 



140 APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. 

hitherto been involved ; with all your powers seek the right 
truth ; pray to God for wisdom ; warn every one ; deal and act 
unblamably; then you will not be of that number of shepherds 
called by such dreadful names in the scriptures, and you will 
not be partakers of that displeasure, punishment and wrath, 
but you will inherit grace, mercy and life, as the prophet says : 
But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath com- 
mitted and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful 
and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. (Ezek. 18.) The 
gracious and mercifulrLord, grant you all his grace, knowledge, 
spirit, wisdom, light and truth, that you may cordially awaken, 
repent, and be eternally saved, Amen. 



APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. 

Give ear, you people, and take it to heart, you who trust in 
lies, and boast you are Christians ; tear your bands asunder, 
and suffer yourselves to be led no longer as asses bound and 
under a heavy burden of sin, by these aforementioned drivers, 
for they deceive you ; they preach to you according to their own 
opinion, and not out of the mouth of the Lord ; they comfort 
you in your wicked ways ; they call and cry only mercy and 
peace, though it is displeasure and judgment, as the prophet 
says. The priests and prophets teach falsely, and comfort my 
people in their calamity, that they shall esteem it lightly, say- 
ing, peace, peace, when there is no peace ; (Jer. G,) they are 
the blind leaders, who lead you and themselves right into the 
pit, (Matt. 15,) and the blind watchmen who watch not over the 
city of God. (Ezek. 33.) Thieves and murderers, who slay your 
poor souls with the sword of their false doctrine, and steal from 
you the Lord's word and kingdom (John 10); greedy shepherds 
who seek your wool, milk and flesh, and not your souls. (Ezek 34.) 
In short, the^ are those who wholly desolate the kingdom of 
Christ, and promulgate in high honor the kingdom of anti-christ 
through the whole world, and who always comfort and defend 
you poor children in your dissolute abominations and in obdurate, 
blind life, so that, alas ! there is none who is cordially converted 
to the Lord laments his sins, and says : What do I ? 

0, worthy children and brethren, my heart in my body quakes 
and fears, when I reflect that such a numberless class of men are 
born in vain and to no purpose ; who will have eternally to endure 
the wrath and judgment of the Lord, if they repent not, and 
shall never find grace. 

Beloved children, take heed, for thus Christ Jesus teaches 



APPEAL TO THE COMMON* PEOPLE. 141 

you : I tell you of a truth, except ye be converted and become 
like little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
(Matt. 18.) 0, dear Lord, this is spoken by God's eternal truth, 
which cannot lie, (Heb. 8) and how ungodly you ignorant people 
live, and how far you are from the innocence of children, your 
fruits testify and show ; for you despise God and his word ; you 
hate all righteousness and truth, (Tit. 1), many of you live as 
the irrational creatures, others litigate, quarrel, curse and swear, 
are covetous, hoard up, practise usury, lie, cheat, injure and 
defraud each other ; fidelity and piety scarcely exist among you , 
but perfidy and knavery prevails generally — eating to excess, 
drinking and gambling are pastime with you ; to pollute women 
and defile virgins is called courting and loving. To take the 
advantage of, and to defraud one another, is called understand- 
ing and wisdom ; you are valiant at beer and mighty at wine, 
(Tsa. 5 ; Rom. 3) ; unrighteousness and destruction are in all 
your ways, the poor and weak you oppress, and you revile the 
afflicted, the god-fearing and pious; to do evil you think and 
practise, you are without understanding, says the prophet, 
(Hos. 4) as a frantic heifer. Pomp and pride you call the 
fashion and custom of the country, you lie in wait for blood, 
you hunt every man his brother with a net, says the prophet, 
(Mich. 7,) your faith is hypocrisy, your divine service idolatry, 
your whole life is world and flesh, as may be seen, and then you 
say, he that walks in simplicity, walks right, as if ignorance, 
blindness and despising of the truth, of godliness, were a pious 
life. Dear children, be ashamed of your offensive wantonness 
and accursed folly. 

Do you suppose that Christ is a liar, and his word a fable ? 
no ! his sentence stands immovable, and shall never be 
altered ; if you live in pride, avarice, voluptuousness, unchas- 
tity and in sensual lusts, believe not Christ and his word, and 
continue to be earthly-minded, and are not born of God, you 
must die eternally, or the spirit of God is not true, but is false. 
(John 3; Horn. 8; 1 Cor. 5 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph-5; Rev. 21, 22.) 

Say, beloved, why do you extol the apostles and prophets 
and consider their doctrine heresy, and their lives madness ? 
And why do you suffer yourselves to be called christians, and 
hate and are opposed to Christ's word and example? 

Say you, we are without understanding, untaught, and know 
not the scriptures ? (Deut. 10 ; Matt. 22 ; Mark 12 ; Rom. 13 ; 
Gal. 5.) I then again reply, the word is plain and needs no 
comment, namely : Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, (Deut. 6,) 
and thy neighbor as thyself. (Num. 19.) Again, you shall give 
bread to the hungry and entertain the needy. (Isa. 58.) 



142 APPEAL TO THE COMMON PEOPLE. 

If you live according to the flesh, you shall die ; for, to be 
carnally minded is death (Rom. 8) ; avaricious, drunkards and 
the proud, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6.) 

God will judge adulterers and fornicators, (Heb. 13,) and 
many like pasages. All who do not understand such passages, 
we must confess and acknowledge, are more like irrational 
creatures than men, more like blocks than christians. 

my chidren, my beloved children, do not deceive your own 
souls ; seek wisdom and understanding, even as you do your 
daily food, that you may find great riches ; for the kingdom of 
heaven suffers violence. (Matt. 11.) Strive, says Christ, to enter 
in at the- strait gate (Luke 13); pray and you shall receive; 
seek and you shall find ; knock and it shall be opened to you. 
(Matt. 7.) The almighty great God is not satisfied with a bare 
name, (John 3, 7, 14, 15 ; Matt. 5,) but he desires a true, sincere 
faith, unfeigned, ardent love, a new, converted and changed 
heart, true humility, mercy, chastity, patience, righteousness 
and peace ; he desires the whole man, heart, professions and 
actions, who delights in the word of the Lord, speaks the truth 
from the heart, crucifies his flesh, and will give his goods and 
blood for the word of the Lord, if it be required. (Ps 1. 15 ; 
Gal. 5 ; Matt, 10, 16 ; Luke 14.) 

Behold, dear children, this is the way in which we all have to 
walk, if we would be saved ; therefore, awaken and learn wis- 
dom. Hear the inviting voice of God, open unto him, and meet 
him that he complain not of you, as he did formerly through his 
prophets, of obdurate and stiff-necked Judea and Jerusalem: I 
have nourished, says he, and brought up children, and they have 
rebelled against me ; the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass 
his master's crib : but Isreal doth not know, my people doth 
not consider. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a 
seed of evil-doers, children that are corrupters ! They have for- 
saken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel 
unto anger, they have gone away backward. (Isa. 1.) 

Jeremiah says : Every one turn to his course, as the horse 
rusheth into the battle ; yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her 
appointed times ; and the turtle and the crane, and the swallow 
observeth the time of their coming : but my people know not 
the judgment of the Lord. (Jer. 8.) 

Remember, dear children, how greatly Jesus Christ took to 
heart the obstinacy and blindness of the Jews ; when he said : 
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy 
children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye 
would not, (Matt. 23,) he wept and said : If thou hadst known, 
even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto 
thy peace, but now they are hidden from thine eyes. (Luke 19.) 



APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 143 

Wherefore ; lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughti- 
ness, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is 
able to save your souls. (James 1.) Seek God with a full heart, 
repent sincerely, cleanse yourselves inwardly before the Lord, 
let go world, flesh, false doctrine, and every thing contrary to 
God's honor, will and word, hear, believe and follow the only 
and true shepherd of your souls, Jesus Christ, who sought you 
in such great love, and purchased you with such a precious 
price, then you may of a truth boast that you are God's people 
and church. To him, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, be 
praise and the eternal kingdom, Amen. 



APPEAL TO COKRUPT SECTS. 

Christ said : False christs and false prophets shall arise, and 
shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even 
the elect. But take ye heed, behold I have told you all things. 
(Matt. 7; Mark 13.) 0, you backsliding, erring children! if 
you had taken to heart the faithful warning of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ — if you had acknowledged his spirit, doc- 
trine and holy life as perfect, and had received him for a true 
prophet, (as promised in the scriptures) and for the true and 
living Son of God, never would you have suffered yourselves to 
be misled so far from Him, nor would you have given place to 
such abominable errors. But now, some of you, Lord ! are 
so far gone and bewitched, that I fear you will never come to 
Christ, the true Shepherd, for the abominable, ungodly works, 
(which are not only contrary to. Christ's spirit, word and will, 
but also against all honest modesty, nature and reason,) you 
maintain as right and good, and, with a dark perverted under- 
standing, defend the scriptures. 

Is it not a grievous error, that you suffer yourselves to be so 
miserably bewitched, and so lamentably mislead from one un- 
clean sect to another, first to that of Munster, next to Batten- 
berg, now Davidists ; from Belzebub to Lucifer, and from Belial 
to Behemoth? Ever learning, but never able to come to the 
knowledge of the truth : You suffer yourselves to be led about 
by every wind of doctrine. You choose out a way for yourselves , 
as do also the priests and monks : you hold not to the head 
from which all the body, by joints and bands having nourish- 
ment administered, and knit together, increaseth with the in- 
crease Of God. (Col. 2.) 

Such, I fear, shall lead to the punishment of your sins ; for, 
by your earthly, fleshy mind, you have thrust from you the 



144 APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 

pure knowledge of Christ, and hated his cross ; and in pride, 
haughtiness, eating, drinking, dissimulation and false worship, 
you conform to this arrogant, unprofitable, idle, ungodly world, 
(which you should teach by a godly, humble walk,) in opposing 
all the admonitions of scripture, and the infallible example of 
Christ and his saints. 

0, you backsliding children ! reflect how grievously you dis- 
grace the holy Moses, who teaches and speaks to you out of the 
mouth of God. He says : I will raise them up a prophet from 
among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in 
his mouth ; and he shall speak unto them all that 1 shall com- 
mand him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not 
hearken unto my words which he shall speak in . my name, I 
will require it of him. (Deut. 18.) This is repeated by Peter 
and Stephen in Acts 3, 7. 

What do you do with all the great prophets of God, as David, 
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who, in so many places, with 
such plain words, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, 
direct us to Christ and his word? (Ps. 2, 22; Isa. 7, 9, 28, 35, 
40; Jer. 23, 30, 33; Ezek. 34.) They must either testify to 
lies, or your prophets must be deceivers and false teachers — 
this is indisputable. 

Did not holy Paul say : But though we, or an angel from 
heaven, preach unto you any other gospel than that which we 
have preached, let him be accursed or anathematized ? You 
must be aware, and admit that your prophets with their kings, 
dominions, polygamy, sword, &c, agree not with the doctrine 
of Paul and the apostles ; it therefore follows that they, with 
their doctrine and conduct, are cursed and anathematized. 
(Gal. 1.) 

Say, my beloved, what do you do with the revealed and in- 
fallible word and testimony of the Almighty Father, which he 
himself of his Son has testified, and said: This is my beloved 
Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him? (Matt. 17.) 
Him shall you hear ; but since you reject his spirit, word and 
example, you follow and hear those who, with their spirit, doc- 
trine and conduct, are from the bottomless pit — yea, manifestly 
antichrists and false prophets. 

Know you not, that the Son of God has himself commanded 
us that we should observe all that he has enjoined, and that he 
will be with us until the end of the world? (Matt. 28.) 

Will you then say, that Christ's and the apostle's doctrine 
w T as imperfect, and that your teachers bring forth the perfect 
instruction ? I answer, that to teach and believe this, is the 
most horrible blasphemy, the most mocking perversity, that can 
be uttered against the Most High ; for you thereby declare 



APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 145 

that Christ is not the true Son of G-od, the perfect teacher, 
and the true image of righteousness. You deny the whole 
scripture, you reject the testimony of Moses and all the 
prophets, who directed to the only and true Christ, as has been 
shown; you disparage the Father's word, and reject Christ 
Jesus, with his spirit, word, kingdom and spiritual government, 
and raise your hearts and hopes upon lying, mortal flesh, and 
upon earthly, sensual things, which, as the scriptures teach, 
must be dispersed like dust before winds. Examine the scrip- 
tures in the fear of the Lord, and reflect, if such is not a gross 
blasphemy against the Almighty? 

Say, you deceived children, where is there a syllable in the 
whole doctrine of Christ and the apostles, (according to which 
spirit, doctrine, conduct and usage all scripture must be under- 
stood,) by which you can prove and establish one of all your 
erring articles ? 

Would you then appeal to the literal understanding and 
transactions of Moses and the prophets, so must you also be- 
come Jews, receive circumcision, literally possess the land of 
Canaan, again erect the Jewish kingdom, and build the city and 
temple, and after the law, offer sacrifices, and attend to the 
Worship of God, and declare that Christ, the promised Saviour, 
has not yet come, who has changed the liberal and figurative 
ceremonies into new, spiritual and abiding substances. 

You miserable, erring sheep, (John 19,) observe, I have before 
remarked to the magistrates, that the kingdom of Christ is not 
of this visible, perishing world, but that it is an eternal, spiritual 
and abiding kingdom, (Luke 1; Heb. 1 ;) Where there are no 
eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. (Rom. 14 ; Isa. 6 ; Dan. 7.) There no king reigns, 
but the true king of Zion, Christ Jesus. (Ps. 2.) He is the king 
of righteousness, (Jer. 23, 33,) the king of peace, (Heb. 7,) the 
king of kings, (Rev. 1, 17, 19,) who has all power in heaven 
above, and on earth beneath ; (Matt. 28,) before whom every 
knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. (Phil. 2.) The true 
king David in spirit, (Ezek. 34, 37,) who, through his righteous- 
ness, merits and crimson blood, has ransomed the sheep from 
the mouths of the lions and bears of the pit, and has slain the 
terrible Goliah, and obtained for the spiritual Israel of God 
eternal welfare and peace. Neither the king nor his servants 
bears any sword but the sword of the spirit — the word, of God, 
which cuts asunder the spirit, body and soul. With this he 
brings forth, builds, extends and governs his kingdom, guards 
and defends it under the pressing cross, in all trials and tempta- 
tions, from all the gates of hell, onsets and powers, (Matt. 16 ; 
Eph. 6; Rev. 12, 19; Heb. 4; Mark 16; 1 Cor. 4; 1 Pet,; 

13 



146 APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 

James 1,} and not with iron or steel, as the rude, vindictive 
world does; for his kingdom and dominion are spirit, and not 
letter,, as has been shown. 

Again, under this kingdom, and under this king, no other 
wedlock must be tolerated, except between one man and one 
woman, as God had in the beginning established in the union of 
Adam and Eve ; and Christ has further said, that these two are 
one Eesh, and that they may not separate themselves, except 
on account of adultery. (Matt. 5, 19; Mark 10; Luke 16; 
1 Cor. 7; Eph. 5 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Tit. 1.) 

This is not a kingdom in which we make a display with gold, 
silver, pearls, silk, velvet and costly pride. And your teachers 
also acquit and teach you with this deception, to wit : that you 
are guiltless, if you do not desire these things in your hearts ! 
Thus might satan approve his haughtiness, and make pure and 
good the desire of his eyes. But this is the kingdom of all 
humility i wherein (I say) not the outward adorning of the 
body, but the inward adorning of the soul, zeal, sincerity, a 
broken heart, and contrite spirit, are sought and desired. 
(Matt. 22; Rev. 19.) 

Here is known no lying, eating, drinking, or hypocrisy ; here 
none conforms himself to a drunken, luxurious, idle and idola- 
trous world, nor lays from him the cross of Christ, as you do, 
but all are upright and godly in heart and deed. (Matt. 5.) 
They speak the truth from the heart. (Ps. 15; Col. 3; Eph. 5.) 
They lead a circumspect, temperate life, (Tit. 2 ; 1 Pet. 5,) they 
shun all idolatry and false doctrine from within and without ; 
they avoid all appearance of evil, (Matt. 7, 15, 16; John 10; 
Eom. 16; 1 Tim. 6; 2 Tim. 3; Tit. 3; 2 John 1; Thes. 5;) 
they perform the true worship of the heart ; (Rom. 12 ; Heb. 
12; James 1;) they abide firmly in Christ's word and ordi- 
nances ;, (Matt. 28 ; John 8 ; 2 John 1 ;) they lead an unblama- 
ble life before the whole world, (Matt. 5; Phil. 1, 2;) they 
testify of Jesus Christ with the mouth, with works, with pos- 
sessions and with blood, as the divine honor requires it. (Matt. 
10; Mark 8, Luke 14.) 

Here that confession is unknown to which some of you pre- 
tend — Here we confess only to the true God before whom we 
have sinned, and to our neighbor against whom we have tres- 
passed, (Wis. 23; Matt. 17; Col. 3; Eph. 4; James 5.) 

Here modesty, rectitude, and honesty are taught and practised, 
but not immodesty, disgrace and uncleanness. I think you 
understand well what I mean. 

In short, here the spirit, word, will, commands, prohibitions, 
ordinances, customs, and examples of Christ are taught. The 
whole scriptures direct to these, and not to the opinions of 



APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 147 

men who invented words, enchanting appearances, pompous 
speeches, dreams, visions, lying wonders, of which God's spirit 
in the holy scriptures, warn and dissuade us on all sides, (Matt. 
24; Mark 13; 2 Cor. 11.) 

Dear children, reform yourselves. Every one who teaches 
you otherwise, than is testified by the word of the Lord, even 
though he were one who could dry up the bottom of the sea, 
and hurl the stars down from heaven, let him be abandoned, and 
let his doctrine be regarded as deceiving and erroneous, for, to 
all eternity there may no other foundation be laid, than that 
which is laid, Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 3.) He is the corner stone 
and foundation in Zion, (Gal. 1,) on whom all the building fitly 
framed together (according to his will, spirit and word,} groweth 
into a holy temple unto the Lord, (Eph. 2.) 

ye backsliding children, hear God's word and make haste, 
for your way is in darkness, and your path leads to death. Em- 
brace the truth and learn wisdom, for your comforters have 
destroyed you and rendered uneven the way in which you must 
go. (Isa. 3.) Munster and Amsterdam may well be to you an 
eternal warning and example. "When a prophet, (said Moses) 
speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor 
come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken. 
(Deut. 1.) 

dear Lord ! How many innocent hearts have they ruined 
— how many poor souls have they deceived — what gross shame 
have they cast upon the word of the Lord ; what great abomi- 
nations have they committed under the appearance of good — 
and how have they made the poor blind magistrates, who are 
destitute of a correct understanding of the holy scriptures, to 
be guilty of innocent blood. 

1 believe it is time you should see and learn to know your 
faithless, lying and deceiving prophets. They are the Foxes 
which destroy the Lord's vineyard. (Cant. 2.) These are the 
thieves and murderers of your souls (John 10,) false prophets 
who deny the Lord that bought them, (2 Pet. 2 ; Jude,) and 
have directed you, poor erring sheep, by their own lying visions, 
and dreams and thoughts of their hearts, and have led you 
against all the scriptures upon a false and loose ground. 

How like you are to those, of whom it stands recorded by 
Eusebius, that they walked according to their lusts, as the pro- 
phets foretold ; they denied Paul and the New Testament, and 
carried about them a book, of which they boasted, that it had 
fallen from heaven, and had come down to them as a present ! ! 

Also, by you, ye insane (bear with me for it is the truth 
which I write) the prophets are read according to the under- 
standing of the Jews. You say the doctrine of Christ and the 



148 APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 

apostles is at the present time fulfilled ; and pretend that there 
is now another dispensation, &c, and observe not that you there- 
by, deny the son of God, and gainsay the whole scriptures : you 
comfort yourselves with mere lies, as also did disobedient 
Isreal in their time. 

Oh dear Lord ! how long shall these sore plagues endure ? 
How long shall the Lord's name through you be blasphemed, 
and his holy word through you be disgraced ? Is it not a griev- 
ous error — a man phrenzy, that Christ, the Son of the living 
God (who brought in eternal righteousness, and has reconciled 
heaven and earth by the blood of his cross) with his word of 
truth, and with the counsels of eternal life, is rejected from your 
hedrts, which he so dearly bought, and which should, so properly 
be the dwelling place of Christ ; and an arm of sinful flesh, and 
mortal man descended from Adam, full of all unrighteousness, 
haughty speeches, lies and open deception is received by you 
and adopted in stead : 

Oh dear children ! what do you do ? are you so bewitched 
that you have lost all honesty, reason and scripture, and are 
become wholly blind ? May God be merciful to you. Observe 
that a letter of the law of Moses could not be changed till the 
new Moses, Christ Jesus, came, who was promised through the 
law and the prophets. If then the letter of the law was so 
strong, effective and firm, and in its time unchangeable, although 
given only through a servant, and sealed by a perishable blood, 
&c. (Exod. 24.) How much more powerful, effectual, firm and 
imperishable is the free law of the spirit, which was given through 
the Son himself, and confirmed by the blood of the eternal 
covenant. 

They who taught anything contrary to Moses' doctrine, were 
false prophets, for nothing was to be taken from, nor added 
thereto, but all appeals were to the law and the testimony, 
(Deut. 4, 12 ; Isa. 8 ;) so all the prophets of the present day, 
are false who teach contrary to the spirit, word, commands, pro- 
hibitions, ordinances and example of Christ, even though such 
should exhibit themselves in appearance, as holier than John, 
more zealous than Elias, and more miraculous than Moses. 

They persuade you that the apostle's doctrine is imperfect. 
(2 Cor. 13,) and that tliey now teach the perfect thing! This 
isa deception of deceptions, (as above said,) for thereby the 
creature is honored more than the Creator. Paul does not refer 
to any better doctrine or perfection other than that which is 
shewn by the doctrine of the apostles, which will abide in ever- 
lasting clearness, according to God's infallible word, and which 
we shall receive in the resurrection of the righteous, when all 
doctrine shall receive an end. This is true, otherwise Paul is 



APPEAL TO CORRUPT SECTS. 149 

at variance with himself, and the true reality is not to be found 
in Christ. 

Will you say, then, with the Scribes and Jews, that Elias is 
to come before the great and terrible day, and so wait for some- 
thing new? 

I answer with Christ's own words, that all the prophets and 
the law prophesied till John, and if ye will receive it, this is 
Elias which was to come, (Matt 11, 17.) 

Again : Even though Elias himself were to come, he dare not 
teach any thing against the foundation and doctrine of Christ 
and the apostles, but he must, if he would preach aright, teach 
and preach conformably to the same, for, by the spirit, word, 
actions and example of Christ, all must be judged, and receive 
the last sentence, otherwise the whole scriptures are false. 

Therefore, it will follow, that we have no Elias more to wait 
for, since John was he who was to come ; or if he should come 
he must teach us nothing but the foundation, doctrine, and word 
of Christ, according to the scriptures ; for Christ is the man who 
sits upon David's throne, and shall reign forever in Jacob's 
kingdom, house and congregation. (Luke 1.) 

I would have you all sincerely admonished that you would 
rightly weigh and prove all spirit, doctrine, faith and conduct, 
with the spirit, conduct and doctrine of Christ, and that ye be 
prudent. All spirits which therewith accord, are from God, but 
those which are contrary, are from him who has turned Adam 
and his race aside from God, and from the beginning has lead 
them by lies onward to death. 

If you will not hear, but will ever turn your ears to lies, and 
believe the deceiving creature more than the infallible Creator, 
if you set your feet upon slippery places ; if you neither fear nor 
regard scripture, admonitions nor the arm and power of God, 
but reject and set aside all as idle and useless, aud suffer your- 
selves always to be comforted with falsehoods, visions, dreams, 
splendid delusions and false interpretations and to continue on 
the broad way, then will the righteous Lord send to you mockers 
and deceivers, and by his righteous judgment suffer you to be 
led from one ungodly course to another, as may already be seen. 
(2 Tim. 4 ; 2 Thes. 2.) 

You shall be satiated with lies, vanity, folly and hypocrisy. 
You will reap the fruits of your wantonness, and at last, with 
all false prophets and lying wonder workers, you shall hear the 
words : Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity, for I know 
you not. (Matt. 7.) 

Be ye then eternally warned and admonished of God. Look 
for yourselves — the day approaches, repent, reform, God's word 
is true. Is there any one among you who fears God, let him 

13* 



150 TO THE BRIDE, KINGDOM, STATE AND 

reflect on what I here write ; — search the scriptures and believe 
the truth, for God hates all liars. (Ps. 5.) Eternal wo and 
gnashing of teeth will be the hypocrite's portion and reward ; 
whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, 
is without God. (2 John 1.) 

ye miserable, bewitched children ! turn again. If ye knew 
what it was to forsake the living fountain of Christ, and dig for 
yourselves dry wells which can neither yield nor hold water, 
( Jer. 2,) how soon would you turn you back on the false pro- 
phets and their hypocritical lives, and surrender yourselves to 
the true shepherd of your souls, Christ Jesus, and follow after 
his service, teaching, warnings, ordinances and holy example : 
(although in weakness,) but enchanting blindness has alas ! 
darkened your understanding. The dear, merciful Lord, be 
pleased to grant, you all, one another, with eyes to see and 
hearts to understand — this we heartily wish you. Amen. 



TO THE BRIDE, KINGDOM, STATE, AND 

CHURCH OP THE LORD, GRACE AND 
PEACE. 

Thus spake the Bridegroom, Christ Jesus, through Solomon, 
to the church : Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away, 
for the winter is past, the rain over and gone, the flowers appear 
on the earth ; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the 
voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land : the fig tree putteth 
forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give 
a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. 
(Cant. 2.) 

Chosen, true children, you who with me are called to like 
grace, inheritance and kingdom, and are named after the Lord's 
name, hear the voice of Christ, your king ; hear the voice of 
your bridegroom, ah, thou bride of God, — thou friend of the 
Lord, arise, and adorn thyself, to honor thy king and bride- 
groom. Though thou art pure, purify thyself yet more, though 
thou art holy, hallow thyself yet more, and though thou art 
right, rectify thyself yet more, (Rev. 21,) adorn thyself with 
the white silken robe of righteousness, hang about thy neck 
the golden chain of all piety, gird thyself with the fair girdle 
of brotherly love, put on the wedding ring of true faith; gird 
thyself with the precious fair gold of the divine word. Adorn 
thyself with the pearls of all modesty, wash thyself with the 
clear waters of grace, and anoint thyself with the oil of the 



CHURCH OF THE LORD, GRACE AND PEACE. 151 

Holy Ghost. * Wash thy feet in the clear limped river of Al- 
mighty God ; let your whole body be pure and clear, for thy 
friend hates all wrinkles and spots ; so will he have pleasure in 
the beauty and will praise, and say : how fair are thy breasts, 
my sister, my spouse, thy breasts are lovelier than wine, and 
the smell of thine ointment than all spices. Thy lips, my 
spouse, drop as the honey-comb : honey and milk are under thy 
tongue. (Cant. 4.) 

Rejoice, thou bride of the Lord ! for your beloved is fairer 
than all the children of men, the chief among ten thousand, his 
head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy and as black 
as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves, by the rivers of 
water, washed with milk and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed 
of spices, as sweet as flowers : His lips, like lilies, dropping sweet 
smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl ; 
his belly is as bright ivory, overlaid with sapphires. His legs are 
as pillars of marble, set upon fine gold. His countenance is as 
Lebanon, excellent as the cedars ; his mouth is sweet, yea, he 
is altogether lovely. (Cant. 5.) Cry out and say, hearken, O 
daughter, and consider and incline thine ear — forget thine own 
people, and thy father's house, so shall the king greatly desire 
thy beauty. (Ps. 45.) 

Draw near, thou queen, thou well-prepared and fairest 
of all women, (Est. 2,) bow thy neck with Esther, under his 
powerful sceptre ; hear his word and fear his judgment — ac- 
knowledge his great love, for he has greatly humbled himself 
towards us. Thy birth and thy nativity were of the land of 
Canaan, thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother was a 
Hitite. As for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born, thy 
navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple 
thee ; thou wast not salt at all, nor swaddled at all, no eye 
pitied thee — Thou wast polluted in thy blood as the prophet 
lamented. (Ezek. 16.) But he has pitied thee, promised thee 
life, nourished thee and clothed thy shame, purified thee from 
thy uncleanness, wiped off thy blood, anointed thee with balsam, 
clothed thee with spiritual clothes ; he has adorned thee with 
bracelets, ear-rings, and a beautiful crown, and has taken thee for 
his bride, and made an everlasting covenant with thee ; he has 
fed thee with oil, honey and wheaten bread, — he has led thee to 
the chamber of his love, and kissed thee with the mouth of his 
peace. 

How lovely and gracious a bridegroom and king is he, who 
has chosen his miserable, impure, unesteemed, yea, unchaste 
servant, to such an exalted station, and has called her to be 
such a glorious queen, and has spared no labor, pains nor costs, 
till he has made her the fairest, purest, most worthy and precious 
among women. 



152 TO THE BRIDE, KINGDOM, STATE AND 

Arise, make haste, adorn and dress yourselves, extol and 
praise him who has created you, and called you to such a high 
honor through the word of his grace. 

The winter is past — the rain is over and gone, the flowers ap- 
pear on the earth, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard, — there 
is nothing more which can harm or-hinder, for hell, sin, the devil, 
death, the world, flesh, fire and sword are already overcome by 
all God's children, through Christ! All they know is Christ 
Jesus, their seeking is the pure apostolic doctrine and the pious, 
umblamable life, which is from God. 

Praise be to the Most High, who has silenced the falsehoods, 
for the truth sounds in every street. Anti-christ sinks to shame, 
and Christ rises to honor, yea, the unfruitful, cold winter has 
disappeared, and the fruitful pleasant spring has come, the 
lovely fair flowers shoot forth and vegetate, in every place ; the 
voice of the turtle dove is heard. (Cant. 2.) The wholesome 
holy word, the wo**d of repentance, the word of grace and 
eternal peace, is testified with word, writings, life and death, 
in many countries. 

The fig tree putteth forth her green fig, and the vine with 
the tender grape, gives a good smell ; arise, my love, my fair 
one, and come away. (Cant. 2.) Faith assumes verdure, love 
blooms, the sun softens, and the truth is published and testified 
which remained fruitless for so many years ; yet you must for 
a short time bear the heat of the sun, so know you yet well that 
the kingdom of glory, in eternal joy, is promised and prepared 
for you. 

Rejoice and watch ; thou art black but comely, thou art as 
the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Awake, O 
north wind, and come thou south wind, blow upon my garden, 
that the spices thereof may flow out. (Cant. 4.) Fear not, little 
flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the king- 
dom, (Luke 12,) not the perishing kingdom of Assyria, Media, 
Macedonia, (Dan. 7,) nor of Rome, but the kingdom of the saints, 
the kingdom of the great king, the kingdom of David, (Luke 1,) 
the kingdom of grace and eternal peace, which shall never 
more perish, but shall abide and stand forever, therefore, hear 
him and be obedient, that you be not thrust out with the haughty, 
disobedient Yashti, (Est. 12,) but with the pious Esther live in 
endless glory, before the true Ahasuerus, Christ, and abide with 
him forever. 

Arise, thou daughter of Zion, and observe what is promised 
thee, Jerusalem, although thou, as a comfortless one, sittest 
for a while, and must bear all manner of storms and hail, but 
your helper will arrive in time, who brings forth thy righteous- 
ness as the morning, and is thy shelter from the wind and storm. 



CHURCH OF THE LORD, GRACE AND PEACE. 153 

For He who has loved thee has said : Behold, I will lay thy stones 
with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires, and I 
will make thy windows of agates and thy gates of carbuncles 
and all thy borders of pleasant stones, and all thy children shall 
be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy chil- 
dren. In righteousness shalt thou be established ; thou shalt 
be far from oppression. (Isa. 54.) 

Behold, thy wall stands firmly upon twelve foundations, thy 
gates are of pearls, the city is of pure gold, the river of living 
waters, proceeding from the throne of God and the lamb, is in 
the midst of your way, and the tree of life is on either side, and 
its leaves serves to heal the nation. Happy and holy is he who 
has part in this city. 

Therefore, so purify yourselves, (Deut. 10,) you who seek 
the Lord, circumcise the foreskin of your hearts, for the holy 
city may be inhabited by no uncircumcised person, the golden 
Streets are trodden by no unclean feet; the unclean drink not 
of the pure waters, the fruit of- life shall never be eaten by any 
of the ungodly, but without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whore- 
mongers, and idolators and whosoever loveth or maketh a lie. 
(Rev. 22.) 

Be ye all minded like Christ Jesus. Be earnest to hold the 
union of the spirit through the covenant of peace, (Rom. 5 ; 
Eph. 4,) ye are all one temple, house, city, mountain, body and 
church in Christ Jesus. 

M Place your candle upon a candlestick, build your city upon a 
high mountain, live unblamably, (Matt. 5 ; Phil. 1, 2 ; Deut. 10 ; 
Col. 3;) behave in all things consistent with Christianity, fear 
God in all your ways, praise him in all your works ; great is the 
grace which has appeared. (Rom. 16; 1 Tim. 6; 2 John 1.) 
Prove yourselves in all things, as those who are born of God; 
shun all false doctrine ; repay not evil with evil, but return the 
evil with good ; pray without ceasing ; (Rom. 12 ; 2 Thess. 5 ; 
Luke 21;) in patience possess your souls, judge all your thoughts, 
after Christ's thoughts, your words after Christ's words, and 
your lives after Christ's life, so shall you in eternity never more 
be deceived." 

Walk worthily after the calling whereby ye are called. 
(Eph. 4.) Let the tyrannical, blaspheming, upbraiding and 
fierce hate the Lord and his word, they persecute not you, but 
Christ Jesus, to whom they are inimical, (Rev. 9,) they will be 
judged in their time, and (if they do not repent,) will be repaid 
again in their own bosoms. 

Strive and wrestle valiantly, in order that the crown be not 
taken from you. Fly to the Mountain of the covert of Christ 
Jesus. — Gird yourselves with the weapons of righteousness, de- 



154 CONCLUSION OR CLOSE OF THIS BOOK, 

clare God's word with freedom, neither shrink nor give way. 
God is your conductor — be faithful unto death, so shall you in- ' 
herit the crown of life. (Eev. 3 ; Eph. 6 ; 2 Thess. 5 ; Matt. 10 ; 
Mark 8; Rom. 10; Rev. 2, 3.) 

Whosoever overcomes, will be clothed with white clothing, 
and his name shall not be erased from the book of life. Al- 
though we appear to the unwise, to die and depart from the 
right way, our souls are, nevertheless, in hope and peace. 
(Wis. 3.) 

Tt is a faithful saying, (with Paul,) for if we be dead with 
Christ, we shall also live with him. If we suffer, we shall 
also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. 
(2 Tim. 2.) ' Therefore, so fear your God from the heart, watch 
and pray and commend to him your affairs, as Jeremiah did. 
(Jer. 11.) He has chosen you to be his loving bride, children, 
and members, and called you to the kingdom of his grace, and 
the inheritance of his glory, and has bought you with the im* 
maculate blood of Christ Jesus. ■ 

Peace be with you, the spirit, power and grace of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, be with all my fellow laborers, believers, brethren 
and sisters, till eternal life. Amen. 



CONCLUSION OR CLOSE OF THIS BOOK. 

Behold, dear sirs, friends and brethren, here we have briefly 
pointed out and declared upon what grounds and scriptures we 
stand built, — what we seek and have in view, and how we rebuke, 
with the Lord's word, all abominable sects and ungodliness of 
the whole world, both with the greatest and the smallest, with- 
out any respect of persons, and we point out to every one, the 
wholesome, pure truth. This the godly may judge. But this 
I have not done in order that the cross of Christ may be avoided 
— in no wise, — for I know and am persuaded, that the lamb 
with the wolf, the dove with the kite, and Christ with Belial 
can never be at peace, the truth must be hated ; and were it so, 
that Christ himself should speak from heaven, still would neither 
scripture nor godliness, neither Christ nor apostle, neither 
prophet nor saints, neither lives nor property, be regarded by 
men. All those, who rebuke, in pure, upright zeal, the haughty, 
avaricious, proud, idolatrous, bloodthirsty world, and who seek 
their happiness and eternal welfare, must suffer and be oppressed. 

You must, (said Christ,) be hated of all men for my name's 
sake, (Matt. 10, 24,) through much tribulation must you enter 



CONCLUSION OR CLOSE OF THIS BOOK. 155 

into the kingdom of God. Christ himself so suffered and then 
entered into his glory. (Acts 14; Luke 24.) 

Therefore, have I done this, that the precious, pure truth, 
might be revealed — that here and there some might be won — 
that the right way might be pointed out to the blind — the hun- 
gry fed with the word of God — the erring directed to Christ, 
the shepherd — the ignorant taught — Christ's kingdom extended, 
and his holy name magnified and praised : this, together with 
our innocence, shall be a witness on the day of judgment to all 
blood-thirsty tyrants, and all deceivers, false prophets, and all 
hardened and impenitent, that to them the truth had been tes- 
tified. But will ye not hear — then be your sins upon you : I 
have declared unto you according to my small gifts, God's 
spirit, word foundation, ordinance and will, — and have pointed 
out to you righteousness. Whoever has ears to hear, let him 
hear, and whoever has an understanding, let him understand. 
(Rev. 2.) 

I testify my Saviour openly : I acknowledge him, and dissem- 
ble not. If you repent not and be not born of God, in your 
spirit, belief, life and worship, and become not one with Christ, 
so is the sentence of your condemnation on your poor souls 
already finished and prepared. 

All, who teach you otherwise than we have here taught and 
testified to you, from the scriptures, betray you : This is the 
narrow way through which we all must walk, and must enter 
the strait gate, if we would be happy. Here is expected neither 
emperor nor king, neither duke nor count, neither knight nor 
nobleman, neither doctor nor licentiate, neither rich nor poor, 
neither husband nor wife. Whoever boasts that he is a chris- 
tian, the same must walk as Christ walked. (1 John 2.) Who- 
ever has not the spirit of Christ is none of his. (Rom. 8.) 
Whoever transgresses and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, 
hath not God. (2 John 1.) Whoever sins, is from the devil. (L 
John 3.) Here will neither baptism nor Lord's supper avail. 
These and other scriptures stand immoveable, and judge all 
those who live out of Christ's spirit and word, and whose thoughts 
are upon earthly and fleshy things, they shall never be over- 
thrown nor weakened, by angel nor devil. 

Will you say, with refractory Israel, we will not hear the 
word which you have preached to us in the name of the Lord, 
but we will do as our forefathers, our kings and princes have 
done from former years till the present time. So 1 answer with 
holy Jeremiah and say: Although you have pleasure in lies, 
and do such abominations, so hath the Lord taken your wicked- 
ness to heart. (Jer. 44.) And has sent you one hard punish- 
ment after another, as hunger, pestilence, storms, grief, mise- 



156 CONCLUSION OR CLOSE OF THIS BOOK. 

ry and the consuming, devouring sword, that your land is turned 
to a waste — to amazement and a curse, as one evidently and 
palpaly may see in many places, because you perform strange 
worship, despise the Lord, your God, cast his word aside, spill 
innocent blood, walk according to your wantonness, sin against 
God, and walk not according to his law, ordinance and com- 
mands, as the mouth of the Lord has commanded you. 

Again, as the unprofitable and rebellious world are warned 
and rebuked against their will, the prophets (Jer. 30, 36,) and 
the true servants of God, are judged and destroyed by the princes 
and magistracy, as seditious mutinists,and are persecuted by the 
priests and common people, as deceivers and heretics. (Jer. 39.) 
Therefore, our expectation is both to teach and to suffer. We 
judge rightly, that ii; will not happen better to us than it did to 
them, but we say with Ezekiel : That when this shall come to 
pass, then shall you find that the undissembled, pure word of 
the Lord, had been taught to you. (Ezek. 33.) 

The merciful, gracious father, through his loving Son, Christ 
Jesus, our Lord, grant to you all, the gift and grace of his Holy 
Spirit, that you may hear and read these our christian labors 
and service of true love, with such hearts, that you may follow 
after the pure, undissembled truth, and be eternally happy, 
Amen. 

Dear, worthy lords, grant to your poor servants, that we may 
fear the Lord from the heart, and preach God's word and do 
aright This we pray you for Jesus' sake. Lord ! Father of 
all grace, open the eyes of the blind, that they may see thy way, 
word, truth and will, and walk therein with faithful hearts, 
Amen, amen, Lord Jesus. 



OF 

THE TRUE 

CHRISTIAN FAITH, 

WHICH CONVERTS, CHANGES, RENEWS, 

MAKES PIOUS, UPRIGHT, PEACEABLE, JOYFUL AND BLESSED 

THE HUMAN HEART 3 

WITH ITS PROPERTIES, NATURE, OPERATION AND POWERS. 



CAREFULLY RE-EXAMINED AND PRESENTED MORE FORMALLY IN 
THE YEAR 1556. 



By MENNO SIMON. 



He that believeth in me (said Christ) though he were dead, yet shall he live, And 
■whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. — John 11. 

For other foundation can no man lay than that it is laid, which is Jesus Christ.— 
1 Cor. 3. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

KING & BAIRD, PRINTERS, No. 607 SANSOM STREET. 

1863. 



OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 



We wish all the chosen children of God, our beloved brethren 
and sisters in Christ, an increase of faith, grace, peace 
and spiritual joy, perfect righteousness and eternal life, all 
ivhich is of God, our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, 
his only begotten Son, our Lord, who loved us, and washed 
tis from our sins in his blood : — to him be praise, honor, glory, 
the kingdom, power and majesty, from eternity to eternity. 
Amen. 

Chosen, beloved children, brothers and sisters in Christ 
Jesus, although, God ! we are so violently prevented by the 
irrational blind world from preaching the true gospel of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to every one verbally ; and the 
revengeful, bloodthirsty, encouraged by your useless, wicked 
priests and preachers, are so imprudently against Christ and 
his word ; for they (the poor children) seek and love rather 
more the dross than the gold, the chaff rather than the wheat, 
and lies rather than truth, and darkness rather than light. 
Nevertheless, God's eternal, invincible truth, which always 
triumphs in the true children of God, through the Holy Ghost, 
will be crowned, notwithstanding it has been so miserably stung 
in the heel by the conquered serpent and his seed, such as the 
proud despisers, liars and bloodshedders, and that they with 
much difficulty can be in obedience to their Lord Jesus Christ. 
Notwithstanding they do behave abominably, the envious bloody 
seed of the serpent, with bruised head, must lie powerless and 
be* under their feet, as those who are wholly overcome by the 
power and spirit, with the gospel truth, in Christ Jesus. 

Since, then, this old crooked serpent, which was from the be- 
ginning opposed to God in pride, and was an arrogant and fierce 
murderer, is put under the feet of Christ and his church, and 
has endured and seen his lying seed destroyed and trampled 
under feet, through the revealed truth, therefore, does he gnash 
his teeth in furious rage, and breathe out his accursed, infernal 
breath of heresy through his prophets and preachers. He casts 
out of his mouth the terrible streams of tyranny through the 
rulers and powerful of the earth, after the glorious church, 
(woman) big with the word of the Lord, with a view to exter- 
minate and destroy her seed. But God be eternally praised, 
who has protected her against the red dragon, and has prepared 
her a place in the wilderness. (Kev. 12.) 



160 OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 

Since, then, for reasons assigned, I cannot teach publicly, 
nevertheless, I will serve you by writing, as long as the Lord 
will permit me. I will serve you with my small talents, which 
the gracious Father granted me through his Son, Christ Jesus, 
out of the abundant treasury of his heavenly riches. I say, 
with Paul : Not with the wisdom of man, not with words of 
wisdom, to serve you, for I possess and know them not. I let 
those seek them who are eager after them. My boasting is 
with Paul; only to know Christ, and him crucified; for, to 
know him is eternal life. (John 17.) Therefore, God cannot 
endow us with better wisdom than with this, although it is fool- 
ishness to the world ; for truth is more precious than gold and 
silver ; than all pearls and precious stones ; there is nothing un- 
der heaven to be compared to her, her ways are ways of pleas- 
antness, and all her paths are peace ; she is a tree of life to 
them that lay hold opon her ; and happy is every one that re- 
taineth her. (Prov. 3.) 

Yes, beloved brothers, every one who is thus rightly taught 
in this wisdom, for she is above the wisdom of the saints, he 
may glory, by the grace given him, over all graduated doctors, 
theologists, jurists, orators and poets, and though he could 
neither write nor speak, and were he the most helpless upon 
earth. Bat all those who are not instructed in this wisdom 
from God, though they were as glorious as Solomon, as victori- 
ous as Alexander, as rich as Croesus, as strong as Hercules, as 
learned as Plato, as subtle as Aristotle, as eloquent as Demos- 
thenes and Cicero, and as well skilled in languages as Mithri- 
dates ; yea, be so greatly experienced that his like were not to 
be found from the beginning, nevertheless, he is a fool in the 
eyes of the Lord ; this must fee confessed and acknowledged. 

With this wisdom, I say so much as the gracious Father, the 
Giver of every perfect gift, has given me through his Son, Jesus 
Christ, I desire to serve not only our brothers and sisters, but 
the whole world, with all my heart, that all the hungry and 
thirsty souls may be clothed from above, and be satisfied with 
this celestial wisdom, who desire to live according to the will 
of the Lord — those souls which he created to his honor, and 
purchased with the blood of his Son — that they may learn to 
know God through his Son and word, in spirit, who says : Let 
not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty 
man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches ; 
but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth 
and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, who exercises loving kind- 
ness, judgment and righteousness, in the earth ; for in these 
things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jer. 9.) 

O, dear children, you who are born of the word of the Lord 



OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 161 

through the spirit, reflect rightly on these things in your hearts, 
how incomprehensibly great the heavenly bounty and grace are, 
which have appeared to us, and have been given us of the Father, 
that he bestowed graciously upon us, grievous sinners, in our 
most abominable blindness, this glorious and divine gift of his 
wisdom. Yea, when we knew neither God nor Christ, were 
strangers to the life out of God, children of wrath and of eternal 
death, knew not the word of peace, and strayed like sheep who 
knew of no shepherd. (Eph. 24 ; Matt. 9 ; Mark 6.) That he 
so graciously bestowed us this great treasure, the true know- 
ledge of the kingdom of God. (Matt. 23.) The treasure which 
lie buried in the field, he discovered to us by his spirit, and 
made known to us the mystery of his good will, and the true 
regenerating signification of his holy gospel, which cannot be 
taught in colleges — cannot be purchased— is not to be brought 
from foreign lands — nor can it be merited by any thing. That 
he has opened to us with the key of his word and spirit, the 
saving truth, and has closed it to all emperors, kings, lords, 
princes, the wise and the learned — before the whole world. 
(Exod. 30 ; Rom. 10.) That he redeemed us from the power of 
darkness, and, according to his will and good pleasure, led us 
into the kingdom of his dear Son ; yea, that he made us kings 
and priests, that we are to be a chosen and holy people — a peo- 
ple to serve him in love, and to be his own, (Col. 1 ; Num. L9,) 
that we are to publish his power and virtue, because he called 
us out of darkness to his marvellous light, as Peter says : O 
great grace and love ! 

Most beloved brothers, always rejoice in the Lord. Again, I 
say, with Paul, (Phil. 4,) rejoice, that the great emperor, Jesus 
Christ, who has all power in heaven and upon earth, (Matt. 28) 
that he has manifested such grace towards you, that he has 
called you to such high honor, you who were the reproach and 
disgrace of the whole world, that he has made you kings and 
priests. (Rev. 1, 5.) Kings, say I, who have been anointed with 
the oil of grace, through the Holy Ghost, crowned with the 
crown of honor, clothed with the garment of righteousness, and 
governed by Christ, your emperor; not with the weapons of 
death, such as fire-arms, spears, swords, horses, riders and ser- 
vants, as the kings of this world do, but by the invincible and 
eternal sceptre of the power of God, namely, with the sharp 
sword of the holy word, which will triumphantly prevail by 
virtue of your faith, over gold, silver, cities, countries, lords, 
princes, flesh, blood, flags, banishment, swords, staves, water, 
lire, hunger, thirst, nakedness, hell, sin, law, fear, devil and 
death — you will be perfect in life and death, and secure from all 
your enemies, both visible and invisible, who would deprive and 

14* 



162 OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 

rob you of the promised kingdom, through the instigation of 
the old serpent. The spiritual king's dominion and government 
are spiritual, therefore, they cannot be deadly hurt or conquered 
by tyranny, false doctrine, or evil lusts ; for they can do all 
things through Christ, (Phil. 4,) who strengthens them, who 
also is their helper and redeemer, whose shield and sword is 
their glory. (Deut. 33.) 

You are also priests ordained of God, not with the oil of 
Aaron and his sons, (Num. 28, 29, 30,) nor with the perishable 
blood of oxen and sheep; nor with the splendid garments of 
gold, silk and precious stones, as the law required ; but anointed 
with the Holy Ghost, with the blood of Christ, and clothed with 
the garment or righteousness, ordained and called of God, not to 
slay the creatures daily, and offer them upon altars, in temples, 
as Moses commanded the priests in the law, (Exod. 29 ; Num. 
28,) but you are to slay living men, with the sword of the divine 
word, understand spiritually, together with your own refractory 
flesh and blood, that is, that you teach and reprove them, and 
yourselves, with the spirit and word of the Lord, that you and 
they die to your unrighteousness and evil lusts, destroy them, 
and thus offer in your spiritual temple or house, not made with 
hands upon the only and eternal altar of our reconciliation, 
Jesus Christ, (Heb. 9, 13.) 

Besides, you are not such priests, who of their own righteous- 
ness offer up bread and wine for the sins and transgressions of 
the common people, and for the souls of the deceased, neither 
are you to sing nor read mass, nor worship the golden, silver, 
wooden and stone images, nor serve nor burn incense to them 
as the poor ignorant priests of the world do ; but you are holy 
priests, who purify and sanctify your own bodies daily, and in 
time of need voluntarily offer them up as a sweet smelling sacri- 
fice, for the truth's sake, together with your ardent prayers and 
joyful thanksgiving, out of a believing, converted, pure heart ; 
for such offerings are well pleasing to the Lord. (Ps. 51 ; Pleb. 
13.) 

Would to God, that all who are called priests, were changed 
into such priests, ah ! how much innocent blood would be 
spared, how gloriously the truth would be spread, and what a 
fine Christian world this would be ! 

Say, beloved brothers : who can fully comprehend this grace, 
or relate these benefits ? Again, I say, we all like sheep had 
gone astray, we turned every one to his own way, we were as 
sheep without a shepherd, we walked according to the lusts of 
our evil flesh, even as they all do, who know not the way of the 
Father ; we were unbelievers in divine things, blind and with- 
out understanding, full of bruises and putrifying sores from the 



OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 163 

sole of the foot to the head, (Isa. 53 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; Eph. 2 ; Tit. 
3 ; Isa. 1,) and by nature children of wrath like others. (Eph. 2.) 
But the Lord be blessed, now we are washed, now we are sanc- 
tified, now we are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and through the spirit of our God ; (1 Cor. 6,) in short, 
we are converted to the true shepherd and preserver of our 
souls, Jesus Christ, (1 Pet. 2,) who pastures us now in the rich 
pastures of his truth, Ezek. 34,) feeds us with the bread of his 
word, Matt. 4 ; John 6,) sustains us by the tree of life. (Pro v. 
5,) and refreshes us with the water of his spirit. (John 7.) Again, 
I say, who can comprehend and relate this grace ? 

Besides this, when we were yet ungodly and enemies, he did 
not punish us as he did the angels which sinned, (2 Pet. 2 ; 
Jude 1,) nor like the first depraved world, (Gen. 6,7, 8,) nor 
like Sodom and Gomorrah, (Gen. 19; Ezek. 16,) nor like those 
who worshipped the calf, (Exod. 32,) nor like those in the day 
of provocation, (Num. 21,) nor like the seditious and adulterers, 
(Num. 16, 25,) nor like those in the wilderness, who acted con- 
trary to his will and word, (1 Cor. 10,) for he destroyed all of 
them ; but he saved us through his great mercy, led us by his 
right hand, and drew us by his goodness, renewed us by his word, 
and begat us by the Holy Ghost, and enlightened us by the 
clear light of his truth ; that we by his grace renounced the 
world, flesh, devil and all manner of evil, willingly entered upon 
the path of peace and submitted to the easy yoke of his gospel. 
It appears to me, this may properly be called grace. 

Most beloved children, take heed. Since then, the gracious 
Father dealt so marvellously .with us according to his great 
mercy, and manifested his love toward us without our merits, it 
is right, natural and becoming that we also love, fear and praise 
such a benevolent Lord and merciful Father, with all our 
powers ; and serve him, and be obedient to him in all our weak- 
ness.. 

Since then, I say, he has manifested, toward us afflicted sin- 
ners, such unspeakable love and grace, as said; which love and 
grace cannot be rightly seen and understood, with the blind 
eyes and the ignorant reason of the flesh, but must be seen and 
understood with the inward eyes of the mind, and through the 
unction of the Holy Ghost ; that is, with a sincere, sure, immo- 
veable, confident, vigorous, unfeigned and pure faith, such as 
the scriptures teach. 

Seeing then, that this must be done with unfeigned faith, as 
related, and which is plainly found in the word of the Lord, as 
is set forth in true Christianity, such as regeneration, or a new 
creature, true repentance, dying to sin, a new life, righteous- 
ness, obedience, salvation and eternal life, in a sincere, active 



164 OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 

faith, as mentioned and set forth in all the scriptures, (John 1, 
17; Mark 16; Rom. 3,4,5; Gal. 3, 5; Heb. 11.) And as 
may be read and seen in many other passages, I have resolved 
by the grace of God, thoroughly to instruct all the lovers of 
eternal truth, with tfye divine testimony out of the word of the 
Lord, which is the right faith, acceptable to God, and has the 
promise in the scriptures ; namely, which has energy, power, 
and effect, agreeing with the gospel of Christ and the doctrines 
of the apostles. In order that all those who see, read or hear 
our writings, may thoroughly and understandingly know that 
the faith of this world is vain and dead, and is eternally cursed 
of God, for its fruits are vain hypocrisy, commands of nten, 
idolatry and false service. It regenerates none, it is earthly 
and sensually-minded, hating and persecuting the truth, for 
this faith knows neither Christ nor his word as maybe evidently 
seen through the whole world. God knows of no other faith 
than that which has power and fruit, regenerates the heart, con- 
verts and renews, as the scriptures say : The just shall live by 
faith, (Heb. 10; Hab. 2 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3.) 

It is all in vain to boast of faith where the godly, new fruits 
and works of faith are not. (James 4.) 

I, therefore, exhort all my god-fearing readers in the Lord, 
and entreat all, that they would take those things to heart, for 
our holy and christian faith is not a dead and cold speculation, 
as the world thinks, nor is it only eloquent boasting, as we find 
it among the great and tolerated sects ; but it is an active gift 
and grace of God, a heavenly living motion in a melted, open 
heart and conscience, firmly believes and lays hold upon, and 
acknowledges the whole word of God, (the threatening law> as 
well as the consoling gospel,) to be right and true, whereby the 
heart is moved and penetrated through the Holy Ghost with a 
peculiar regenerative, renewing, vivifying power, and it first pro- 
duces the fear of God, for it knows the Lord's judgment and 
wrath over all transgressions and sins which are committed 
against his will and word ; he dreads and fears, and is astonished 
before God, and therefore, he dares not do any thing, counsel 
or consent to, other than he knows to be right by the spirit 
through the word : he dares not do that which God hates, and 
forbids in his word. 

This faith produces the love of God whereby we love him ; for 
we are assured by the holy scriptures, if rightly understood iu 
spirit, of the unsearchably great riches of grace with which the 
merciful and gracious Father has endowed us through his Son 
Jesus Christ ; and therefore does he love his kind God, being 
awakened through the manifested bounties of the aforesaid 
grace, and he is thus voluntarily urged through the operating 



OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 165 

power of his love, (resulting from such a true faith,) to the obe- 
dience of all the commands of God, even as Christ says : If any 
man love me, he will keep my commandments, (John 14.) 

Behold, this is the faith of which we have to treat in the fol- 
lowing writings. For it is the only faith which has the promise 
in scripture, of salvation and eternal life, through Christ, God's 
only and first begotten Son. To him be praise, honor and glory, 
from eternity to eternity, Amen. 

We find that if any one wishes to build a good house, or high 
and permanent tower, that first a solid foundation is laid, so 
that it will sustain the heavy superstructure, that the work be- 
gan at such great expense, does not fall into ruins. And, thus 
it must be with true christians ; they must also lay a certain 
and true foundation in their hearts, that they may stand in 
building up their faith, against all the raging tempests, rains 
and floods, (Matt. 7,) which will not try them a little, so that 
they may stand immoveable, that they may, by the help of the 
Lord, successfully accomplish the work and building which they 
have begun, so that they do not with everlasting shame, and to 
the injury of their souls, depart from the true path, (Luke 14.) 
For if any man draw back, says Paul, the Lord shall have no 
pleasure in him, (Heb. 10.) 

Faithful brethren, take heed to his precious and only well 
adapted corner-stone, ground and foundation in Zion, prepared 
for us by the Father, upon which we have to build the edifice of 
our faith, upon Jesus Christ, (Isa. 28 ; Eom. 9, 10 ; 1 Cor. 3; 
Eph. 2; 1. Pet. 2.) All who are founded upon this ground, will 
not be consumed by the fire of tribulation ; for they are living 
stones in the temple of the Lord, they are like gold, silver and 
precious stones, (1 Cor. 3,) and cannot eternally be prevailed 
against by the gates of. hell, such as false doctrine, flesh, blood, 
world, sin, devil, water, fire, sword, or by any other means, if 
ever so sorely tried ; for they are founded upon Christ, con- 
firmed in the faith and assured in the word through the Holy 
Ghost that they are not to be turned away from the pure and 
wholesome doctrine of Christ by all the furious and bloody 
Neros under the heavens, with ail their cruel tyranny, they are 
not to be diverted from an unblamable and pious life, which is 
of God, as we have seen in many places for more than twenty 
years past ; for they are as immoveable as Mount Zion, as firm 
pillars, brave soldiers, and as pious, valiant witnesses of Christ, 
have fought -till death, and do daily fight for the word and truth 
of the Lord, God be eternally praised. I speak of those who 
have the spirit and word of the Lord. 

Yea, that stone lies firm in their hearts, and is so sealed by 
faith in them, that in their greatest need they regard neither 



166 OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 

father nor mother, wife nor child, money nor possessions, life nor 
death : for they are so constrained by veneration of God in their 
hearts, because Christ says : He that confesses me not before 
men, I will not confess him before my Father ; but he that con- 
fesses me, him will I again confess, &c. (Matt. 10; Mark 8; 
Luke 12 ;)that they are not allowed to speak a false word, even 
to escape the hands of the blood-thirsty and the dangers of 
death ; as may be seen. 

But, I fear greatly, and indeed it is to be found so, that the 
greater part calling these innocent lambs accursed heretics, 
catch them as rats, banish and deprive them of life and posses- 
sions ; they are not ashamed, nor afraid of God, who hates all 
lies, (Ps. 5 ; Rev. 21, 22 : ) for the sake of a stiver, to use yea 
for nay, and nay for yea, boast themselves christians, and are 
called after his name. If they are such liars and so unfaithful 
in small things, what will they do in greater things, if life and 
blood be required, may be readily imagined. 

O reader, do reflect. If the old crooked serpent, with all his 
deception, falsehood and lies, lived in the christian hearts, as 
is the case with their persecutors, their goods would not be 
plundered, and their blood would not be shed. And they would 
not only conceal the truth, but they would with all the children 
of the devil hate and oppose it. All who are born of the truth, 
hate lies. Again, all who are born of lies, hate the truth. If 
they hate the truth, how can they speak it ? Especially when 
life and possessions are at stake. If our rulers aad judges wish 
to be assured of this difference, let them call some of their evil 
doers before the judgment seat, who are guilty of death, and 
examine them in relation to things whereof they are accused, 
(but without punishing them,) what does it avail, though they 
would freely confess their guilt, for which they are to die, as 
these innocent children do in their faith? Yea, what is more, 
let your most high renowned monks, in their profession, caps, 
&c, your most accomplished priests in their terms and masses, 
be as severely tested as you do these, in their faith ; then we 
will see what will become of all their professions, caps, terms 
and masses. But the common proverb is : The wolf escapes, 
but the lamb has to suffer. 

Since then, I say, all those who are born of the truth, and 
have Christ and his truth dwelling in their hearts, in such we 
find nothing but the simple, plain truth of Christ, by which they 
are born unto righteousness, are converted and changed in heart, 
and it is equally evident, by their pious and unblamable life, that 
your lying, adultrous, lewd, idolatrous, drunken priests and 
monks belie them and persecute them before the whole world — - 
(those who openly rob God of his glory, and maliciously murder 



OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH. 167 

those whom Christ purchased with his precious blood,) and be- 
tray them, to bring them into the stocks, and to the stake ; and 
this they do for no other reason, only because that the believers, 
through the revealed truth, with faith in their hearts, are urged 
by the spirit and fear of the Lord, to renounce their leaven, 
vain, false doctrine and idolatrous sacraments, and with all their 
hearts, to live according to the will of God. Lord ! thus they 
live and deal with those who seek and fear Thee with all their 
hearts. 

Say, beloved lords, when shall this cruel, disgraceful murder- 
ing, bloody seed, be prevented by you from continuing in their 
Judas like conduct? When will you turn your backs to their 
deceiving lies, and turn your faces to Christ? When shall your 
deadly and avenging sword be wiped from its blood and again 
be put into the sheath ? When will you hear and fear God, more 
than you do lords and princes? When shall the abominations 
of anti-christ be rooted out of your heart, and instead thereof, 
plant the doctrine of Christ therein ? When will you be satisfied 
with pious and unblamable lives, and be satiated with the blood 
of innocent saints? When shall Christ Jesus, with his word, 
spirit and life, through faith, be conceived in you, and in deed 
be born in you ? I fear never. For you are earthly and sen- 
sually minded, the eyes of your understanding are darkened, that 
you desire the world rather than heaven ; lies rather than truth; 
sin rather than righteousness; the honor and praise of man 
rather than the honor and praise of God. 

Yes, beloved lords, why say much ? With you it is the same 
as with the priests and preachers, who, through the instruction 
of scripture, know the truth in part ; but since they love their 
cross-fleeing body more than God, they preach only so far as 
the mandates and resolutions of the princes permit and suffer, 
so that they do not incur the displeasure of the world, and be 
deprived of their worldly honor, and their easy life. It is the 
same case with you, my dear lords. Though many of you know 
that the teaching, ceremonies, divine service and life of your 
priests and preachers are untrue, deceiving, idolatrous, false 
and carnal, and that ours are the doctrine and ceremonies of 
the Lord, according to scripture. But, in order to retain the 
friendship of the emperor and your incomes, (I mean you who 
are guilty of blood,) sooner will Christ Jesus, with his innocent 
lambs, without any mercy, (if the mandates be enforced,) have 
to endure cruelty and shame, as the ring-leaders, knaves and 
rogues, be taken by you, exiled, robbed and slain. And then 
you say : The emperor's mandates, and not we, judge you. 

Beloved lords beware ; the hour is fast approaching, that 
the almighty, the great, and terrible God, the impartial, 



168 THE PAPISTIC BELIEF. 

righteous judge, will judge and sentence all our doings; then 
you will see too late, whom you have persecuted and stabbed. 
Therefore, awaken in time, fear God and repent, while it is yet 
called to-day. (Rev. 1.) 

I entreat you, my reader, be not displeased that I have 
digressed so far ; for it was not without cause. But now, we 
will continue in the name of the Lord, in the thing we have 
undertaken, and treat and teach as much of it, as the merciful 
Father will grant us grace and aid thereto, that we may rightly 
show to all the godfearing, who seek the truth, the difference 
between faith and unbelief, the fruits of faith and of unbelief, 
and that they may grow up in the true christian faith, until the 
gracious Father, out of his abundance of glory, make them, 
strong in the inner man, by power, through the spirit, and till 
Christ dwell in their hearts, through faith, that they may be 
rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend, with 
all saints, what is the breadth and length and depth and height, 
and to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, and be 
filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3.) And besides, 
that they may know that it is all hatred and lying which the 
scribes teach and cast up, touching our faith concerning the 
sword, sedition, polygamy, &c. I speak of that, which 1 and 
my beloved brothers preach and teach, verbally or by writing, 
publicly or privately, to all the well disposed. 

Cordially beloved brothers, if we can rightly see with spiritual 
eyes, into the impure, abominable doctrine and faith, with all 
the abominable unbelief and blind evil life, resulting from such 
abominable doctrine of those, whose boast themselves christians, 
then we may with propriety be astonished at the great blind- 
ness and grievous error ; yea, be grieved to death. No matter 
how cruel and rude so ever, it must be called the holy christian 
faith, O God 1 



THE PAPISTIC BELIEF. 

It is true, that papists teach and believe, that Jesus Christ 
is the Son of God, that he offered up his flesh, and shed his 
blood for us, but with this difference, if we would enjoy it, and 
be partakers thereof, we have to adhere to the pope and his 
church, and be obedient, hear mass, receive the holy water, 
perform pilgrimages, call upon the mother of the Lord, and the 
departed saints, to confess at least twice a year, receive papistic 
absolution, have children baptized, commemorate the holy days. 



OF THE LUTHERAN BELIEF. 169 

The priests have to vow chastity ; the bread in the mass, must 
be called the flesh, and the wine, the blood of Christ. Besides 
all their other idolatry and abominations,, which are daily prac- 
ticed by them. 

And all this is called, by the ignorant, the most holy christian 
faith, and the institution of the holy christian church. Although 
it is nothing but mere human opinion, self-chosen righteousness, 
deceiving hypocrisy, manifest deceiving of the soul, ungodly, 
indecent bodily nourishment and gain of lazy priests, an ac- 
cursed idolatry, an incensing of God, a disgraceful blasphemy, 
an unworthy despising of the blood of Christ, a self-devised 
undertaking, a disobedient contumacy to the divine word. In 
short, a false, offensive divine service and open idolatry, of 
which Jesus Christ (to whom the Father points us) has not left 
or commanded us a single letter of all these things. (Matt. 17 ; 
Mark 19.) 

And it does not suffice that they practice such abominations ; 
but they not only also despise as useless all true fruits of faith, 
(commanded of God himself,) the sincere and pure love and 
fear of God, the love and service of our neighbor, the true 
sacraments and divine service, &c, but also revile it as hereti- 
cal, exterminate and persecute. I think this may properly be 
called a sect. 



OF THE LUTHERAN BELIEF. 

The Lutherans teach and believe, {hat we are alone saved 
by faith, without any works. They insist upon it so inflexibly, 
as if works were not at all necessary ; yea, that faith is of such 
a property and nature that no work can be suffered or allowed 
beside it. And, therefore, had the highly important and zealous 
epistle of James, (because he reproves such a frivolous, vain 
doctrine and faith) to be esteemed and considered as straw. O 
presumption ! Is the doctrine straw, then must also the chosen 
apostle, the faithful servant and witness of Christ, who wrote 
and taught, have been a man of straw — this is as clear as the 
meridian sun. For the doctrine shows how the man was. (Mark 
12 ; Luke 7.) 

Let every one take heed, how, and what he teaches ; for with 
this rude doctrine they have led the rude and ignorant, great 
and small, citizens and the common people, into such a fruitless 
wild life, and have left them so much liberty, that we would 
scarcely find such an ungodly and abominable life among the 
Turks and Tartars, as we see among them. Their open deeds 

15 



170 OF THE LUTHERAN BELIEF. 

bear testimony: for the luxurious eating and drinking; the 
superfluity and wantonness, whoring, lying, cheating, cursing, 
swearing by the wounds of the Lord, sacraments and sufferings, 
shedding of blood, striking and quarrelling, &c, which obtain 
among many of them, and, alas, have neither measure nor end. 
Both the teachers and hearers are the same in many carnal 
things, as may be seen. For what I well know, that I write, 
and what I myself have heard and seen, I testify, and I know 
that I testify the truth. 

If any one can simply say with them : Ah ! what dishonest 
knaves and villains are these desperate priests and monks, 
they wish them the venereal or some oth'er disease. The un- 
godly pope with his shorn crew, say they, have deceived us long 
enough with purgatory, confession and fasting. We now eat 
as we have hunger ; fish or flesh, as we desire ; For every 
creature of God is good, says Paul, and is not to be rejected. 
Bat what follows they do not want to understand or know; 
namely, to the believing, who know the truth and enjoy it with 
thanksgiving. They further say : How shamefully they deceived 
us poor people, that they have robbed us of the blood of the 
Lord, and directed us to their mummery and to their enchanting 
works. « But God be praised,, we now know that all our works 
avail nothing, for Christ's blood and death alone must blot out, 
and pay for our sins. Begin to sing a psalm: Der Stride ist 
entzivey und wir seyndfrey, §"c, i. e. The cord is cut asunder 
and we are at liberty. At the same time drunk, full to overflowing 
of strong drink. Any one who cau but read this distich, if he 
live ever so carnally, is a good evangelical man, and a suitable 
brother. And should some one come, who would in true and 
sincere love, admonish or reprove them, and direct them to 
Jesus Christ, to his doctrine, sacraments and unblamable ex- 
ample, and show that it does not become a christian to carouse 
and drink, and to revile and curse, &c, he must from that hour 
hear, that he is a legalist, ( WerJcheiliger) one that would take 
heaven by storm, or a factionist, a fanatic or hypocrite, a de- 
famer of the sacrament, or an ana-baptist. 

Behold! thus God, the righteous Lord, suffers these to err 
and go astray in their hearts, who rely upon the precious death 
and the most holy flesh and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
Son of God, together with his saving and reverent word, in 
their sensual lusts and wantonness, and make it an occasicn of 
their unclean and sinful flesh. It appears to me this may also 
truly be called, a tolerated, large and great sect. 



OF THE ENGLISH OR CALVINISTIC BELIEF. 171 



OF THE ENGLISH, ZUINGLIAN, OK 
CALVINISTIC BELIEF. 

The English, or Zuinglians believe and confess that there are 
two sons in Christ Jesus, the one is God's son, without mother, 
and impassive ; and the other is the son of Mary, or the son of 
man, without father, and passive. And in this passive son of 
Mary, the impassive Son of God dwelt; so that the son of 
Mary, who was crucified, and died for us, was not the son of God. 
This was acknowledged by one of their principal teachers, called 
Martin Micron, also by one Harman Yon Ronsen, (if I recol- 
lect his name rightly,) before me, two or three times in a large 
assembly, in the year 1554. 

Further, the said Micron, when I questioned him in relation 
to the aura*seminis of the woman, concerning which we had 
not a few words, acknowledged and said : I have to confess 
that a woman has no seminal functions but an afflux of catame- 
nial fluid to the uterus. See, before God, it is the truth that I 
write ! He also wrote in a book, printed in England — these are 
his words — touching the coagulating of the fluids in her uterus. 
If the fluids thus changed, as the book says, and as he confesses, 
that a woman has only catamenial fluids in the uterus, as said ; 
therefore, it is evident, that they believe (if they agree with him) 
that their Savionr is not God's first and only begotten son, but 
the mere result of a vitiated state of the uterine fluids. 

John a Lasco also writes, that Christ partook of no other 
flesh than that which was subject to sin and death, in order 
that he might be tempted. He states in the same book : If he 
is holy, why was he sentenced in the Father's judgment, for the 
sake of sin? This I cannot otherwise understand, before God, 
than that he believes, that the man Christ Jesus, was a sinful 
Christ and guilty of death. Eead his defence made against me, 
of the Incarnation ; there you will find his ground. 

God, watch over all true hearts, that they may never believe 
such intolerably great abominations. It makes me shudder, 
and I am astonished in my heart, yea, I am ashamed in my 
soul, that I must make mention thereof; for it is too offensive. 
But since they defame and slander us daily before all men, both 
verbally and by writing, what a very detestable ground and 
doctrine we have of Christ, (since we confess, with the scripture, 
that he was the first and only begotten son of God who died for 
us,) and they present these abominable things to the poor 
simple people, as said, and deceive them so miserably thereby ; 
for this reason, am I constrained in my conscience, (to the honor 



172 OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

of God, and to warn all the godfearing,) that I had to notice this 
here, to present it to the reader, whose mind is held captive by 
them, to reflect upon ; for I know not how we could believe 
more cruelly and abominably of Christ, teach, feel, think or 
speak of, than to say : It was not the Son of God who died for 
us, but it was the result of a vitiated catemenial fluid, — a man 
that had to die for sin, &c. 

And though they would gainsay and deny this, and say that 
I wrote this gratuitously concerning them, it is true, this hap- 
pened repeatedly, and before many pious hearts ; they may deny 
it, but it will be found true in the day of the righteous judgment, 
before the eyes of the Eternal and great majesty, as I have writ- 
ten it. abominable sect ! 



OF TKUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

We teach and believe, and this by virtue and power of the 
whole scriptures : That the whole Christ Jesus from above and 
below, inwardly and outwardly, visibly and invisibly, is God's 
first and only begotten Son, the incomprehensible, eternal 
"Word, by which all things are created. (John 1.) The first 
born of every creature, (Col. 1.) Became a true man in Mary, 
the immaculate virgin, through the almighty, eternal Father, 
eternal spirit and power, beyond the comprehension and know- 
ledge of all men. (John 1.) Sent and given unto us out of pure 
mercy and grace, from the Father. (John 3.) The express 
image of the invisible God. (Col. 1.) And the brightness of 
his glory. (Heb. 1.) We teach and believe that the first and 
only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, is our only and eternal 
Messiah, prophet, teacher and high priest. (Deut. 18 ; Heb. 5, 
10.) Who has fulfilled the required and commanded law for 
all his believers, (inasmuch as they could not fulfil it on account 
of the weakness of their flesh.) Who taught us his Father's 
good will and pleasure, and went before us as an unblamable 
pattern, and freely offered himself upon the cross for our sins, 
as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to the Father. (Rom. 8 ; Col. 2 ; 
Eph. 2 ; Matt. 12 ; John 13 ; Eph. 5.) Through whom we all, 
(who believe this cordially,) have received the forgiveness of our 
sins, grace, favor, mercy, liberty, joy, life eternal, a reconciled 
Father and free access to God, in the spirit. (Eph. 2.) And this 
all through his merits, righteousness, intercession and blood, 
and not through our own works. Behold this is the true sum- 
mary of our belief concerning Christ, our Saviour, the Son of 
God. 



OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 173 

All who believe this, in their hearts, as certain and true, and 
are assured, through the word of God, in their hearts and spirit, 
are inwardly changed, receive the fear and love of God, and 
bring forth out of their faith, righteousness, fruit, power, an 
unblamable life and a new principle, as Paul says : With the 
heart we believe unto righteousness. (Rom. 10.) Through 
faith, says Peter, God purifies our hearts. (Acts 15.) And thus 
follow the fruits of righteousness out of an upright, unfeigned, 
pious, Christian faith. Observe this well. 

For all those who believe the righteous judgment of God and 
his eternal wrath over all sin and wickedness, and do not doubt 
at all, look at the fallen angels, (2 Pet. 2 ; Jude 1,) they look at 
the first, depraved world, (Gen. 6, 7, 8,) at Sodom and Gomor- 
rah, (Gen. 19,) and upon disobedient, refractory Israel, (Heb. 3,) 
they take particular notice how God humbled his innocent Son, 
who knew of no sin, and in whose mouth guile was not found, 
how he was humbled, made the most miserable among men for 
the sake of our sins. (Isa. 53.) Yea, that he was so beaten and 
tortured, that, while extended on the cross, he innocently com- 
plained to his Father : My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken 
me? (Matt. 27,) 

All, we say, who truly believe this, in their hearts, certainly 
will flee from all unrighteousness, as they would from the fangs 
of a serpent ; they turn away from all sins, and dread them 
more than a burning fire or a piercing sword, for their whole 
mind and conscience testify to them, that if they premeditately 
sin against God's law and word, and do not receive Christ in a 
pure and good conscience, live according to the flesh, despise 
the inviting voice of God, that they will fall under the dreadful, 
eternal sentence and wrath of God. (Heb. 10.) 

This the pious and aged Eleazar believed, (2 Mace. 6,) and 
the god-fearing, virtuous mother, with her seven sons, (2 Mace. 
7.) The three faithful young men in the fiery furnace, and be- 
loved Daniel, (Dan. 3, 6.) and the fair, virtuous Susan, the 
honorable pattern of all pious women. (Dan. 13.) And would, 
therefore, rather endure for a season the ire and fury of tyrants 
than sin, and thus bring upon themselves the eternal anger 
and wrath of God. The righteous, say the scriptures, live by 
faith. (Heb. 2; Rom. 1; Gal. 3; Heb. 10.) For the true 
evangelical faith, which makes the heart sincere and pious be- 
fore God, moves, changes, urges and constrains a man so, that 
he will always hate the evil, and willingly do the things which are 
right and just. Yea, even as it is not necessarry to admonish or 
warn a man of understanding not to cut his own throat, or to 
drink poison, or to thrust himself from a high tower, or to run 
into deep water ; for he knows well, if he did so, that he would 

15* 



174 OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

not escape death. So it is also unnecessary that we should 
admonish, or warn those, who cordially believe that the wages 
of .sin is death, that drunkards, liars, fornicators, adulterers, 
the avaricious, idolators, blasphemers of God, envious blood- 
shedders, perjurers, thieves, and the like sinners, shall not 
inherit the kingdom of Christ— that they shall not get drunk, 
shall not commit fornication, &c. (Rom. 6.) For the divine 
fear, which is of such a faith, warns, reproves, urges and deters 
them so, that they will never more consent to such sensual, 
ungodly works, much less do them. For their faith, I say, is 
sealed of the spirit through the word, teaches them that the 
end thereof is death. (Horn. 1, 6 ; I Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; 
Rev. 21, 22.) 

We must thus believe with the heart, as Paul says, (Rom. 10,) 
that is: we must so adhere to the word to receive and impress 
it upon our hearts, that we never turn or be diverted from it, 
but that faith be more and more rooted in our hearts, so that, 
through the virtue thereof, we may fear God with all our powers, 
and do sincere penance. For cordial, unfeigned fears drives out 
sin, and it is impossible to be justified without the fear of God. 
(Frov. 2.) 

Here observe, what an excellent, pleasing fruit of faith, the 
fear of the Lord is, for it is the only power which expels the 
sins of believers, buries, slays, destroys and makes sin nought, 
this is the first part of true repentance, as we are taught and 
admonished by the baptism of believers. (Rom. 6 ; Col. 2.) The 
fear of the Lord (says David) is the beginning of wisdom ; a 
good understanding have all they that do his commandments : 
his praise endnreth for ever. (Ps. 111.) 

Farther : All who comprehend and understand with a sincere, 
unwavering, believing heart, God's great solicitude and ardent 
care for us, (here I speak of him according to the manner of man) 
and his unbounded great kindness, mercy and love, as paternally 
manifested toward us through Christ Jesus, how that he did not 
spare his only Son (by whom he created the heavens and the 
earth, the seas and the fullness thereof,) his incomprehensible, 
eternal Word, power and wisdom, but that he, for our sakes, 
gave him over, humbled him, let him endure hunger, thirst, was 
derided, taken, mocked, spit upon his holy face, was scourged, 
crowned with a crown of thorns, condemned, crucified and slain, 
that we, through his sickness and stripes, might be healed, through 
his poverty might become rich, (1 Pet. 2 ; 2 Cor. 8,) that we 
might, through his being despised, obtain glory ; through his 
cursing, obtain blessing ; through his punishment, receive grace ; 
through his blood, the remission of sin ; through his offering, be 
reconciled, and through his death might obtain eternal life. He 



OP TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 175 

also created every living creature for our use, and made them 
subject to us. He serves and provides us with winter and 
summer, heat and cold, with night and day, with rain and 
dearth ; he sent to us his holy apostles with his holy word, en- 
dowed us with his spirit, enlightens, governs, admonishes, re- 
proves and comforts us ; he has given us shelter, and food to 
supply our wants, and, in the midst of a perverted lion-like 
generation, he kept and preserved us by his grace,- &c. I say, 
again, he believes this with all his heart, apprehends and lays 
hold of, he can never be prevented neither by angel nor devil, 
neither by life nor death ; but he must love this gracious 
Father, from his inmost heart, who has manifested so great love 
and mercy towards us grievous sinners ; yea, praise, honor and 
be grateful to him — serve, and be obedient to him, all the days 
of his life. 

For this is the greatest delight and joy of believers, that they 
in their weakness may walk and live according to the will and 
word of the Lord, and where unfeigned the love of God obtains, 
there, without fail, must also be the voluntary, ready service of 
that love, namely, the keeping of his commands. (John 14 ; 1 
John 5 ; 2 John 1.) Solomon says : They that put their trust 
in him shall understand the truth, and such as will be faithful 
in love shall abide in him. (Wis. 3.) And this is what Paul 
says : That in Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision 
availeth, but faith, which worketh by love. (Gal. 5.) 

That love is of an effective power and nature, can be very 
plainly seen in natural love ; for we need not admonish rational 
parents, to provide their children with the necessary food and 
clothing, but natural love will admonish them thereto. And 
thus with man and wife, who cordially love each other w$h 
conjugal love, they think it no displeasure kindly to love each 
other and be fellow helpers, as it becomes them, being one flesh. 
(Eph. 5.) And so are also the nature and property of holy, 
divine love, for all those who by faith are one with the Father 
and his Son, Christ Jesus, in love and spirit, through the true 
and genuine knowledge of the aforementioned favor, need not 
to be admonished that they should serve the Lord, seek the 
kingdom of God, use baptism and the Lord's supper, according 
to the ordinance of the scriptures, should constrain heart and 
tongue, to reflect upon the law and will of God with all earnest- 
ness, hear Christ and follow him, and that they should not love 
gold and silver, money and possessions, wife and children, life 
and death more than Christ and his word. For the effectual 
nature of the ardent love of God, which is of a pure heart, good 
conscience, unfeigned faith urges and constrains, moves and 
operates so much in their hearts, that they stand prepared with 



176 OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

body and soul, possession and blood, to do what he commanded 
them, and not do that which he prohibited ; as we may see (God 
be praised) in great plainness and power, and hear daily of many 
pious hearts. 

And it is hereby evident, if we would love God and walk in 
obedience to his commands, we should then believe, have a spe- 
cial regard to his favors, and with the heart adhere closely to 
the word of his promise, as said ; for that love which is sincere, 
is a very precious fruit, it is a branch and plant of faith from 
which the other part of true repentance flows, namely, the un- 
blamable new life, represented to us by baptism, as related 
above, of the fear of the Lord : " Without which love, all elo- 
quence, all tongues, all knowledge and understanding, all boast- 
ings of faith, learning, miracles, prophesying, alms, persecution, 
cross and suffering, are vain before God ; yea, dead and without 
fruit, (1 Cor. 13.") 

Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God : and 
God is love, (1 John 4,) and such a one does all things honestly 
to the word of the Lord, for love is the fulfilling of the law, 
(Eom. 13.) the obedience to his commands, (John 14; 1 John 5,) 
the bond of perfection and peace, (Col. 3 ; Eph. 4,) prefigured 
by the splendid girdle of Aaron and his sons, (Exod. 18.) 

Love, says Solomon, is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as 
the grave ; the coals thereof are coals of fire, which have a 
most vehement flame, many waters cannot quench love, (Cant. 
8,) yea, so firm and strong and ardent is love that it surpasses 
every thing, conquers and consumes what is opposed to Christ 
and his worjl, be it world or flesh, tyrant or devil, sin or death, 
or whatever we may think of or name ; and this is all through 
th empower and spirit of Jesus Christ of whom it originates. 
(Rom. 8.) 

Moses preceded with fear, then Christ with love. First the 
terrific land, and afterwards the consoling gospel ; first wrath 
in the feelings of our consciences, afterwards grace ; first un- 
easiness of pain, then peace ; first tribulation, then joy. In 
short, first the letter which killeth, then the spirit which quick- 
ens. (2 Cor. 3.) 

Behold, my reader, such a faith as mentioned, is the true 
christian faith, which praises, honors, magnifies and extols God 
the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, through filial fear and 
fruitful love, for by it we know the Father's good will towards 
us through Christ ; by it, I say, we know that all the promises 
to the fathers,. the waiting of the patriarchs, the whole figura- 
tive law, and all the predictions of the prophets, are fulfilled in 
Christ, with Christ, and through Christ, (Rom. 10.) That, Christ 
is our king, prince, Lord, Messiah, the promised David, (Jer. 23 



OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 177 

33; Ezek. 34; Gen. 49,) the Lion of the tribe of Judah, (Rev. 
5,) the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the prince of peace, 
(Isa. 9,) God's almighty, incomprehensible, eternal word and 
wisdom, (John 1 ; 1 Cor. 1,) the first born of every creature, 
(Col. 1,) the light of the world, (John 3, 8, 12,) the Sun of right- 
eousness, (Wis. 5,) the true vine, (John 15,) the well of life, (John 
7 ; Rev. 22,) the true door and shepherd of the sheep, (John 10,) 
the true foundation, (1 Cor. 3,) and the precious corner-stone in 
Zion, (Isa. 28 ; Rom. 19 ; 1 Pet. 2,) the right way, the truth and 
life, (John 14,) the promised prophet, (Deut. 18 ; Acts 3, 7,) our 
master and teacher, (John 3, 13,) our Redeemer ; (Matt. 10 ; Col. 
1,) Saviour ; (Luke 2 ; Tit. 2, 3,) Friend and bridegroom ; (Cant. 
1, 2, 3, 4; John 3.) In short, our only and eternal mediator, 
advocate, high-priest, propitiator and intercessor, (1 Tim. 2 ; 1 
John 2 ; Heb. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13,) yea, our head and brother, 
(Eph. 1 ; Col. 1 ; Matt. 12 ; Heb. 2, &c.) And since we know 
all this by faith, therefore, I say, we also observe his word rightly, 
hear his voice, and implicitly follow his example, counsel, and- 
depart from ungodliness : — the heart is changed, the mind is 
renewed, and with Moses we rely upon the future promises, as 
though they were in sight, and patiently wait for them with pious 
Abraham, till he with all the chosen shall in reality inherit them. 
For faith, says Paul, is the substance of things hoped for, the evi- 
dence of things not seen, (Heb. 11.) He says, further : But hope 
that is seen is not hope, (Rom. 8.) God (says Christ himself) is 
a spirit, (John 4 ;) his word and grace are spiritual ; the promise 
of the New Testament is spiritual ; his kingdom and government 
are spiritual ; and thus we have to believe all things through a 
pure, sincere and sure faith, with a candid heart and judge and 
see with spiritual eyes ; but we may well say with Paul : For all 
men have not faith. (2 Thess. 3.) 

Therefore, all those who stop their ears to the threatening and 
slaying law, and will not fear God, and also reject and desire not 
the gracious gospel of Christ, shut their eyes to the light of right- 
eousness, and will neither see nor walk the true way, harden their 
hearts, and will not acknowledge the just judgment of God's 
wrath and displeasure, his mercy and favor and his unbounded 
grace, they are unbelievers ; for they reject Christ Jesus, run 
haughtily, yea presumptuously, into perverse ways ; they choose 
to themselves a righteousness and means of salvation contrary to 
the word of God ; the wisdom of the Lord they esteem foolish- 
ness ; his truth as lies ; his gospel as delusion ; the virtuous, 
christian life as madness ; and the true use of his sacraments, as 
heresy, open idolatry, commands of men, superstition and abomi- 
nable lies, are their consolation and most reasonable service ; 
their belly is their God : they love the world more than heaven ; 



178 OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

all their delight is in covetousness, avarice, pride and pomp, in 
gold and silver, in money and possessions ; in buying and selling, 
they cheat and deal treacherously ; their common life is drinking, 
gambling, cursing, swearing, hatred, strife and fighting, they fol- 
low the flesh in its lusts ; they defame and seek the calamity of 
their neighbor, his dishonor, disgrace and shame. In short, they 
say, with the fool, in their hearts : There is no God. (Ps. 13 ; 
Ezra 18.) 

Although they boast of God with the mouth, praise his name 
with their lips, bow their bodily knees, saying, that they are 
redeemed with Christ's death and blood, it is nevertheless vain 
hypocrisy ; for they do it only from habit, and feignedly, and not 
inwardly, through faith, in power and truth. They are those of 
whom it is written : They profess that they know God ; but in 
works they deny him ; being abominable and disobedient, and 
to every good work reprobate. (Tit. 1.) And this, because they 
do not believe Christ and his word, (their end is death,) as he 
says : He that believeth not shall be damned, yea, is already 
condemned. (Mark 16.) 

It is true what Paul says : That it is impossible to please God 
without faith, for he that comes to God, must believe that he is, 
. and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 
(Heb. 11.) for an open heart ! For profound understanding ! 
Yea, if we rightly examine these words, we have reason to be 
astonished at Paul's wisdom and understanding. For if we do 
rightly reflect upon the matter, we have to confess before the 
Lord, (who tries our reins and hearts,) that we never believed 
it with the heart, that God is, and hence, we led a vain ungodly 
life. For it cannot be otherwise ; if any one believes with all 
his heart, that God is, he will also believe that his word is true, 
that the wages of sin is death, that all things are open to his eyes, 
and that there is nothing concealed before him. (Eom. 8 ; Heb. 
4.) That w T e must give an account of all our thoughts, words 
and deeds, before his judgment seat in the day of his coming. 
(Isa. 66 ; Matt. 12 ; Eom, 2 ; 2 Cor. 5.) Believing all this, we 
then begin to be astonished before such an omniscient and right- 
eous Judge, yea to fear and tremble greatly. 

In the second place, I say : All who believe with the heart, 
that God is, they also believe that he is true, and therefore, none 
can be saved contrary to his word ; for he is the God of truth, 
and in him there are no lies. His uttered word abides, it can 
neither be bent nor broken ; those who thus believe, begin to 
fear his righteous judgment ; they cast behind them all their false 
patchwork, all false promises, all the bolsters and cushions of 
the false prophets, and the seek the Lord who bought them. 
They are abased in their own eyes ; for the heart is humbled # 



OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 179 

They sigh and weep, pray and lament, knock and call at the 
throne of grace, till they are heard and encouraged by the word 
of. his peace, comforted with the promise of his grace, and 
anointed with the Holy Ghost. 

In the third place, I say : All who believe that God is, also 
believe that he is gracious and merciful, that he bestowed and 
sent us his Son, and that he taught us the right way, fulfilled 
the law for us, reconciled us to the Father, and redeemed us by 
his blood and bitter death ; has conquered hell, the devil, sin and 
death, and obtained for us grace, favor, mercy, and eternal life, 
ifec. And therefore, the drooping hearts are again revived 
(which saw through the threatening law, nothing but the wrath 
of God and eternal death.) They become candid, peaceable, and 
joyful in the Holy Ghost, are of a joyful disposition, and are thus 
made to belong to their head and Saviour, are united and 
made one with Him, ingrafted through the spirit of God and 
pure and unfeigned love, that they are of one heart, one soul and 
spirit with him ; think, speak and live in their weakness as he has 
taught and commanded them in his word. They renounce and 
avoid all false doctrine, all unbelief, all false sacraments, all 
idolatry; put off the spotted garment of sin, which is the evil 
perverted life, and is of the flesh. They seek the doctrines and 
sacraments commanded them of Christ ; that divine service which 
is taught in the scriptures, and that pious and unblamable life 
which is from God. For by faith they are changed in the inner 
man, converted and renewed, because they have a sealed, and 
assured conscience, which bears witness to them that God is, 
that he is righteous and true, gracious and of abundant mercy. 
And therefore they desire, to do and act, so that they do nothing 
but what they know through the word, that Christ taught and 
left them, through his holy apostles and prophets. 

Behold, my brethren, here you have now the true properties 
and nature of a true christian faith, and what a great mystery, 
signification, power and spirit are contained summarily in these 
words : Hemust believethat God is; (Heb. 11,) he that believeth 
on him has eternal life ; (John 3,) he that believeth and is bap- 
tized shall be saved; (Mark 16;) whosoever believeth on him 
shall not be ashamed, (Rom. 10,) and the like passages. For it 
will always be the case where there is a true, sincere, christian 
faith, there also will be a dying to sin, a new creature, true re- 
pentance, a sincere, regenerated and unblamable christian. One 
does no longer live according to the lusts of sin, but according 
to the will of him who purchased us with his blood, drew us by 
his spirit and regenerated us by his word, namely, Christ Jesus. 
But where there is only nominal faith and no righteousness, 
change, or new and penitent life, there is nothing but unbelief, 



180 OF TRUE CHRISTIAN BELIEF. 

hypocrisy and lies. No matter how much we may speak, or dis- 
pute about the scriptures. This rule will abide, and can never 
be broken : If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. (Rom. 8.) All, 
therefore, who live in pomp and wantonness, in excessive eating 
and drinking, adultery, fornication, avarice, hatred, envy, las- 
civiousness, defrauding and such sins ; — all who defame the Lord's 
holy and high name, word and will, and also his community, 
slander and traduce their neighbor ; deprive him of his honor, 
name, welfare, body and goods ; who curse and swear by the 
Lord's sufferings, wounds, sacraments, cross and death, &c. All 
who do so are unbelieving heathens, and not believing christians. 
This is as plain as daylight, for their fruits testify before the 
whole world, that they are not the true olive tree and vine from 
which we may pluck or gather the true, ripe fruits ; for, that 
they comfort themselves with the doctrines and commands of 
men, use a strange baptism, Lord's supper and divine service, 
which Christ has not taught ; seek the remission of sins by foreign 
means ; such as holy waters, masses, auricular confession, pil- 
grimage, &c. ; walk in a perverted, crooked path ; believe not 
Christ and his word, all must confess who have only natural dis- 
cernment and understanding. But all who confess and acknow- 
ledge Christ to be the son of God, and his word as the truth, that 
his commands are eternal life, seek no other word, sacraments, 
or means of reconciliation, nor another way of life than that 
which Christ, God's only Son, presented and taught them by the 
word of his truth. 

And hence it is evident, where sincere and true faith obtains, 
which avails before God, which is a gift of God, and comes from 
hearing the holy word, through the blossoming tree of life, full 
of all manner of precious fruits of righteousness, such as fear 
and love of God, mercy, friendship, chastity, temperance, humi- 
lity, candor, truth, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, &c. (Rom. 
3 ; Gal. 3 ; Eph. 2 ; Rom. 10.) For where there is a sincere, 
evangelical, pious faith, there also are the sincere, gospel fruits 
of an evangelical nature. 

I say gospel fruit, for the strange fruit, such as infant baptism, 
masses, matins, vespers, caps, palms, chapels, altars, bells, &c, 
know not the gospel, for they are neither commanded of God, 
nor of Jesus Christ, his Son, nor by the holy apostles and pro- 
phets, therefore, are they abominations and not believing fruits, 
even as the golden calves were with Israel, (1 Kings 15,) the 
worship of Baal, the high places, altars and churches, and the 
crime of making their children to pass through the fire. (Jer. 1, 

no 

The true evangelical faith looks upon, and has respect to, the 
doctrine, ceremonies, commands, prohibitions, and unblamable 



OF noah's faith. 18 L 

examples of Christ alone, and strives to conform thereto with 
all its powers even as fire in its nature can produce nothing but 
combustion and flame ; the sun, nothing but light and heat; the 
water causes moisture, and a good tree brings good fruit, after 
its natural properties; and thus evangelical faith produces true 
evangelical fruit, (again I say,) and that after its true, good, 
evangelical nature : Yea, even as an honest, virtuous bride, by- 
virtue, and the nature of natural love, is ever ready to hear and 
follow the voice of her bridegroom ; and from a sincere, pious 
disposition, favor and love which she has for, and towards him, 
will ever so conduct herself, before her most faithful friend and 
beloved husband, whom she respects and loves with all her heart, 
for his sake voluntarily endures what ever may befall her ; even 
also it is with a sincere, regenerated believer, who has been 
joined to Christ, by grace through faith ; he has become one with 
Christ through this ardent love, that he is ever prepared, in his 
love and will, to endure all things for Jesus's holy name's sake, 
in evil as well as in good report. Eager to endure all things 
that may befall him at any time, be it joy or tribulation, satia- 
tion or hunger, refreshing or thirst, honor or dishonor, in good 
or bad report, in prison or at liberty, in exile or at home, an 
easy or a hard life, death or life. Such a soul partakes of her 
bridegroom's nature and disposition, is pious in heart and 
thought ; true in words and well seasoned ; all her ways are 
righteousness, devoutness ; wise as the serpent, as harmless as 
the dove ; a genuinely pious disposition, fidelity, zeal, peace, 
fervent prayer, an unblamable conduct, a sincere, pure, brotherly 
lo|e, and a voluntary obedience to Christ and his holy word ; 
for, I say, the righteous live by faith, (Heb. 2 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3 ; 
Heb. 10,) as we shall be shown plainly by the grace of God, by 
the following examples, recorded in the holy scriptures. 



OF NOAH'S FAITH. 

The holy scriptures testify concerning Noah, the son of 
Lamech, that he found grace before the Lord, because he was 
a righteous, godly man. unwavering and perfect in his genera- 
tion, (Gen. 6.) Peter calls him a preacher of righteousness, (2 
Pet, 2.) High and glorious is the testimony, which is given in 
the scriptures concerning this man. 

When all the world was depraved before God, and the face of 
all the earth was full of wickedness, the sons of God looked upon 
the daughters of men that they were fair, they took them wives 
of all whom they choose, and would not suffer themselves to be 

16 



182 OF noah's faith. 

reproved by the spirit of God ; then spake the Lord : I will yet 
give them the space of a hundred and twenty years ;— he also 
gave Noah a command, that he should make a ship or ark, by 
which he and his house might be saved from the coming flood, 
for God the Lord, was about to destroy the whole world with 
water. Noah believed the Lord's word with all his heart, and 
kept it in his mind, as if he saw it before him with his eyes. He 
commenced building as he had been commanded, for he believed 
with his whole heart, that the threatened punishment would come. 
And when the appointed year was completed, and the disobe- 
dient wicked world repented not, the Lord's word must be ac- 
complished. Noah went into the ark with all clean and unclean 
creatures as the Lord commanded him. On the same day he 
entered the ark the foundation of the great deep, and the firma- 
ment of heaven were opened, and it rained forty days and forty 
nights till all the high mountains upon the face of the whole 
earth, were covered fifteen cubits high with water, and all crea- 
tures upon the earth that had in them the breath of life, as men, 
birds, beasts and worms were destroyed. Noah and his family, 
together with the animals which were with him in the ark, were 
preserved in the ark by the power and grace of the Almighty, 
in whom Noah trusted with all his heart. (1 Pet. 3.) 

Through faith (saith Paul) Noah honored God, and prepared 
the ark for the salvation of his house, according to the divine 
command which were not yet seen, through which he condemned 
the world, and became an inheriter of the righteousness which 
is by faith : (Heb. 11.) 

Oh ! lovely example, glorious pattern of a sure and firm 
faith. For, as he believed his God, so was he upright and un- 
wavering. He believed the threatened punishment firmly, as if 
he saw it before his eyes, and therefore he laboured so many 
years, and, through the eternal spirit of Christ, he warned the 
unbelieving, disobedient spirits, or men led captive by sin, to 
repent and reform, He feared his Lord's word and doubted 
not that it would happen as the Lord hath spoken. He well 
knew that the Lord's word was powerful, as the prophet said : 
O Lord, by speaking didst thou in the beginning address the 
creation : Let there be heaven and earth — thy word is an all 
powerful work. (2 Ezra. 6.) 

And when he had preached and built forty, eighty or a hun- 
dred years, (the scriptures do not say how long he built and 
taught,) he did not become weak in faith by long delay, for he 
well knew that the punishment of God would come upon the im- 
penitent and unconverted, and that he, and his would be 
preserved through the mercy and grace of him who promised 
for he is the God of truth, and no lie is found in him. (Tit. 1 ; 
Heb. 6.) 



OF noah's faith. 183 

The Lord God warned the pious Noah, and said : The end of 
all flesh is come before me, for the earth is full of violence, and 
behold, I will destroy it with the earth. (Gen. 6.) So also hath 
he through his own blessed son, through his holy prophets and 
apostles, with his word or truth, warned us and said: If you 
repent not, be not born of God, believe not in Christ, walk not 
in his commandments, reform not your wicked lives, but serve 
strange Gods, be haughty, proud, ambitious, lustful, blood-thirsty 
malicious, unjust, idle, earthly, fleshly, and devilish, you shall 
die in your sins, (1 John 7,) and shall not enter into the king- 
dom of heaven, ( John 3.) shall be condemned, (Mark 16,) shall 
be cast into the fiery pool (Rev. 21,) must inherit eternal wo and 
pain, with all the accursed, and with devils, (Matt, 15 ; 2 Thes. 
1,) and have no part nor communion in the kingdom of Christ, 
to all eternity. (1 Cor. 6.) 

My readers, if we, with the upright and godly Noah, take 
heed to the warnings of Christ and his holy spirit and believe 
with the whole heart — believe God's word to be true and im- 
mutable — that the threatened punishment w r ill come in its time, 
even though it be delayed a thousand years. I advise that 
every one watch, for all who die in tjieir sins, receive their 
punishment, for, the time of grace is then expired. We should 
undoubtedly threaten the impenitent and unconverted with sore 
wrath, which will be eternal in its duration. We should fear 
and tremble from our inmost souls, and pray our God for grace. 
We should clothe ourselves in sackcloth and mourning garments. 
We should truly repent, reform the wicked life, follow after 
righteousness, (1 Pet. 3) and with our new and spiritual Noah, 
Christ Jesus, enter into the new and spiritual ark, which is his 
church ; and that we be careful at all times which is his 
church; that the fearful flood of the coming wrath of God, 
overtake us not, with all unbelievers and impenitent, who know 
neither God nor Christ, neither spirit nor word, as it happened 
to the old world, (Gen. 7, 8,) yea we should watch and wait from 
the heart upon the coming of the Lord, and give heed to the 
time of grace, preserve our wedding garment, and have oil 
in our lamps, we should see that our house be not cast down, 
and w r e with the unclad guest, be cast forth from the Lord's 
wedding, into utter darkness (Matt. 22) and abide eternally out 
of doors. 

But if we believe not the threatening punishment, wrath and 
judgment of the Lord, and have little regard to the commands 
of the scriptures, and say with the mockers: Where is the pro- 
mise of his coming ? all things abide as they were from the be- 
ginning, since the fathers fell asleep, (2 Pet. 2,) it will, I fear, 
happen with us as it did with the unbelievers and disobedient 



1 84 Abraham's faith and obedience. 

who were overtaken with sudden destruction in the time of 
Noah and Lot, (Gen. 7, 8, 19,) as one may plainly see and read 
concerning the coming of the Lord in Matthew 24, and Luke 17. 
Again, if we believe not, neither regard the threatened judg- 
ment and wrath of the Lord, it will follow that we will lead a 
profligate life — do all that our wicked flesh desires, eat, drink, 
build, sow, reap and marry without any fear or care, and will 
avariciously hoard up gold, silver, and say haughtily in our heart 
there is peace and joy, till swift destruction shall overtake us, 
(2 Thes. 2.) Let every one look well and watch. The messenger, 
with his peremptory summons is already at the door, who will 
say "Kender an account," thou mayest continue steward no 
longer. (Luke 16.) But could we with the righteous, unwavering 
and pious Noah, believe the coming eternal wrath, and the pro- 
mises through Christ, to all true children of God, we would, un- 
doubtedly, not be found so attentive, drowsy and polluted, but 
would, with full earnestness Without delay, rise from our abom- 
inable sin and grievous errors, and would shun wickedness as 
we would a hungry roaring Lion or a blood-thirsty enemy, we 
we should also watch with open eyes, lest the master of the house 
overtake us when we sleep and regard him not. And that he 
may not give our portion and lot, among the hypocrites, let us 
not strike our fellow servants, and eat and drink with the gor- 
mandizer. (Matt. 24.) Concerning this watching, read (Matt. 24, 
25 ; Mark 13 ; Luke 12 : 1 Thes. 5 ; 1 Pet. 3 ; Rev. 3.) 



ABRAHAM'S FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. 

Abraham the high-renowned patriarch, who had not his 
equal in honor, as Sirach writes. (Sirach 24.) For he believed 
God and trusted upon his word with the whole heart, and thus 
manifested obedience and power as the result of his faith, for 
as the Lord commanded him and said : "Get thee out of thine 
own country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house 
into a land that I will shew thee, and I will make thee a great 
nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou 
shalt be a blessing : and I will bless them that bless thee, and 
curse him that curseth thee, and in thee shall all families of the 
earth be blessed. (Gen. 12.) And when he heard the command, 
he believed his God and consulted not the ease of his body nor 
his natural reason, but renounced both, and did not strive nor 
dispute with God, in whom he trusted and by whose command 
he went forth ; he didjnot desire to know before hand into what 
land he should go. He believed his God with his whole heart, 



Abraham's faith and obedience. 185 

he was obedient and went forth at that hour, together with his 
wife not knowing where he should go. He reposed firmly and 
surely upon the promise of God, who, would not deceive nor 
betray him, for he well knew that he was a God who was true 
and firm in all his words and that he would bring him into such 
a country as he had promised him. 

Behold, how upright and perfect, how plain, obedient, and full 
of confidence is the christian faith, as may be seen in this patri- 
arch. Compare your faith and its fruits with Abraham's faith 
and its fruits, and I presume you will find that you have never 
yet become his faithful seed and children ; for, it is manifest 
that you are stubborn, unbelieving, and disobedient, and so fleshly 
and earthly minded that you would not give a cottage, a bed, a 
cow or a horse, nor would endure a hard word for the sake of 
the word of the Lord, and his testimony ; much le^s would you 
forsake father or mother, or the land of your birth, for the sake 
of your faith, and like Abraham, travel with wife and children 
to a foreign and unknown land. Cursed unbelief keeps off the 
whole world from the truth ; for. many of you says : We well 
know that you have the truth, but what dose it avail ? We are 
poor and full of years, we cannot longer labor or earn ; we have 
a house full of children and cannot earn our bread in other 
lands ; we fear, also, that the Lord may not have such a 
care for us as he had for Abraham ; others say we have much 
wealth — we are yet young in years, and may live long ; father 
and mother hinder us. The wife says : My husband opposes 
me — the husband says : My wife is against me, and the like un- 
believing fleshly excuses and cares. They never take to heart, 
nor understand, that Christ has richly promised you, that if you 
abide by his word, you shall receive all necessaries, as food, 
clothing, and shelter. (Matt. 6, 19; Mark 10; Luke 12.) I have 
been young but now I am old, (said David,) yet have I never seen 
the righteous man forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread. 
(Ps. 35.) 

Faithful reader, observe, if we had a firm faith and a sure 
confidence, like as this godly man, and dare trust from the heart 
upon the living God, how little should we trouble ourselves 
with such heathenish cares, concerning food, clothing, eating, 
drinking, &c; for we well know, that Christ, God's only Son, has 
promised that if we seek the kingdom of heaven, and his 
righteousness, and turn our hearts to some honest labor, he will 
not forsake us to all eternity, but will supply us our necessities, 
(Matt. 6) for he cares for us. (1 Pet. 5.) 

Observe further : When a message came to Abraham, that 
Lot, his brother's son, was taken to Sodom by Chederlaomar, 
the king of Elara, and his confederate kings, Abraham rose up 

16* 



186 Abraham's faith and obedience. 

with three hundred and eighteen of his servants and followed 
after the aforementioned kings ; he overtook them in the night 
and slew them and re-took all their goods, together with Lot, 
the prisoners and their wives. (Gen. 14.) 

Here the faithful patriarch manifested his love, the result of 
faith, and feared not the power of the four kings. lie trusted 
in the living God, he sought not his own safety, nor the safety 
of his servants, but willingly risked all, in order that he might 
rescue his oppressed kinsman from the hands of his enemies. 
All spiritual children of Abraham should, after his example, 
love their brethren who are born of the incorruptible seed of 
the holy divine word, and not only assist them with money and 
goods, but also, when necessity requires, they should, in an evan- 
gelical manner, yield life itself for their sakes. ( I John 3.) I say 
in an evangelical manner, because aid with the sword, in the 
New Testament, is forbidden to all true christians. True be- 
lievers must suffer patiently, and not fight and strive with swords 
and carnal weapons. If we desire, by the help of the spirit and 
word of the Lord, to save and gain our neighbor's soul, we would 
not close the door upon him when persecuted for the sake of the 
Lord's word, but we would receive him into our houses, and in 
his trouble we should give him our bread, assistance, comfort 
and aid. In such a case, it becomes us to risk our lives for our 
brethren, though we must be rewarded with death. This example 
we have of Christ, who for our sakes, did not spare himself, but 
willingly yielded his life, that we through him, might live. (Matt. 
20, 2G ; John 10, 3 ; Pet. 2, 4 ; 1 John 4.) 

In the third place, observe, that Abraham was promised that 
his seed should be numerous as the stars of heaven — that they 
should be strangers in another land that was not theirs, and 
they should be oppressed and compelled to serve four hundred 
years, &c. (Gen. 15.) When this promise was made he believed ; 
he believed this, I say, and his belief was reckoned to him for 
righteousness. He waited with patience, and it was fulfilled in 
its time, (Heb. 6,) he murmured not, nor disputed with God, 
because his seed should suffer so greatly for so many years. An 
admonition to all true christians that they should cleave to the 
Lord's word, with all the heart, and should hold firmly to his 
promise ; for God cannot forget or break his word ; heaven and 
earth may pass away, but his word shall stand and abide eternally. 
All who trust there shall be reckoned as righteous. Faith was 
counted to Abraham. (Luke 21; Rom. 4; Gal. 3.) Through 
faith he saw the promise from afar ; he saw it, (I say,) and com- 
forted himself therewith. (Heb. 11.) In like manner also with 
us, the promise of the future, eternal life, is made in and through 
Christ, and we are informed that for his name's sake, we must 



Abraham's faith and obedience. 187 

suffer from this perverted and wicked generation. (John 3.) 
This promise will also, doubtless, be fulfilled in proper time, to 
all who trust therein, though long and sore they be oppressed 
by the evil Egyptian race. (Matt. 5.) For, although the chil- 
dren of Abraham were grieved with much sorrow and pain for 
some hundreds of years, yet did the Lord lead them forth victo- 
riously, and gave them the land of promise. And thus it will 
be with us if we doubt not the promises, but receive them with 
a firm faith, as did Abraham, and through faith walk in all the 
commandments of God, possess our souls in patience and honor, 
fear, love, thank and serve the Lord. (Luke 21, 22 ; Exod. 12, 
5.) How lamentably soever, we are here persecuted, oppressed, 
smitten, robbed and murdered by the hellish Pharaoh, and his 
fierce, unmerciful servants, or burned at the stake, or drowned 
in the water, yet shall the day of our salvation arrive, and all 
our tears shall be wiped from our eyes, and we shall be arrayed 
in the white silken garments of righteousness, and with Abra- 
ham, Isaac and Jacob, follow the Lamb and sit down in the 
kingdom of God and possess the precious, pleasant land of 
eternal peace. (Rev. 21; Rev. 6, 7, 19; Matt. 8; Luke 13.) 
Praise God, ye who suffer for Christ's sake and raise your heads, 
for the time is near when you shall hear : Come ye blessed of 
my father, and ye shall be eternally blessed. (Matt. 25.) 

In the fourth place, observe, that Abraham received a com- 
mand from God that he, and also his male children of eight 
days old, should be circumcised, with all his servants, those who 
who were born in his house, and those who were bought, and 
this should be a covenant sign between God and him. (Gen. 17.) 
He was no* disobedient to or yet displeased with God, he did 
not complain nor murmur against him on accont of the pain he 
should suffer in his old age, by obeying this command, nor be- 
cause such a ceremony, from its very nature, must be thought 
disgraceful ; and one, too, by which he could neither praise God 
nor serve his neighbor, but he heard and believed the Lord's 
word, and humbly and submissively followed it without delay. 
He well knew, that unless he would believe the word of God, 
he could obtain no grace, no blessing, no promise : For the obe- 
dient obtain the promise, (Lev. 26; Deut. 27, 28; Jer. 11; 
Matt. 7; John 15; 1 Cor. 7.) 

The simple, plain submission and willing obedience of Abra- 
ham's faith, are made manifest by its fruits. For if he had fol- 
lowed flesh or blood, and reasoned with himself, he would, 
undoubtedly, not have so obeyed, but he would have entered 
into argument with God, and said : No, Lord, it shall not be 
so, for this sign will profit me nothing, for Thou art not praised 
thereby nor my neighbor served. All the heathens who know 



188 Abraham's faith and obedience. 

not thy great name will mock and scoff at it as foolishness, from 
the very nature of the ceremony. no ! He spake not against 
the Lord, but he believed and acted, aud it was reckoned to him 
for righteousness, and he was called a friend of God. (James 2.) 

This is for encouragement to the godly to believe the Lord's 
word, even though it may appear heretical and mockery. They 
willingly follow it. They strive and dispute not with the Lord, 
because he so commanded; but it is enough (I say) that they 
know that he has commanded and in what manner he has com- 
manded. 

Again, it shames all haughty despisers and unbelieving 
mockers, who so presumptuously open their mouths against 
Christ, and say : What can baptism profit us, or why does God 
demand water? It is enough, if we are inwardly godly men, re- 
gard the commands of love, and lead a godly, virtuous life, and 
such like hypocritical words, and these poor miserable hypo- 
crites know not when the inward man, (of which they boast,) 
has become upright and godly by faith in the Lord's grace, word 
and spirit. No one must depart a hair's breadth from the word 
of the Lord, let it be what it will. 

It is so manifest that the Lord Jesus has commanded water 
baptism, upon the profession of our faith, (Matt. 28 ; Mark 16,) 
he received it himself, (Matt. 3,) the holy apostles did not teach 
nor practise otherwise, (Acts 2, 8, 10, 16, 19,) their signification 
and effect were not otherwise, and so many glorious promises 
depend thereon as may plainly be seen and read, (Mark 16 ; 
Acts 2 ; Horn. 6 ; Cor. 12 ; Gal. 3 ; Eph. 5 ; Tit. 3 ; 1 Pet. 3,) 
not on account of the eternal rite, (understand me well,) but 
Christ aud his word are received through faith. Say, beloved, 
how shall one obtain the accompanying promise if he does not 
do what is commanded? But what does it avail all who believe 
not the Lord's word, who would rather have money, goods, body 
and life, than Christ ; they are earthly-minded, they strive 
against Christ, break the scriptures and say : What can water 
benefit us? But if they believed the word of the Lord from the 
heart, as did Abraham, and were new and changed men in Christ 
Jesus — through the power of the same faith, they would love 
their enemies, do good for evil, pray for those by whom they are 
persecuted, be ready to forsake possessions and all that they 
have and are, for the glory of the Lord, and for the necessary 
service of their neighbor. They would not reject the cross of 
the Lord, but flesh and blood would be mortified ; they would 
fear God and his judgments, and love him, they would not mur- 
mur and dispute, but stand prepared, like Abraham, to shew 
their faith by its fruits ; they would receive the commanded 
baptism, surrender themselves to all obedience, and according 



Abraham's faith and obedience. 189 

to their weakness, walk as the Lord commands all true Chris- 
tians. 

Since they believe not Christ and his word, they neither fear 
nor love him ; hence it follows, that they reject, upbraid and 
blaspheme his holy doctrine, spirit, &c, as deceiving heresy, 
they esteem his obedience as an abomination. reader, beware ! 
God, the Lord, is a God who will adhere to his word; he 
brought calamity upon Adam, Eve and their posterity on ac- 
count of the forbidden fruit. (Gen. 3.) Uzzah, for a small trans- 
gression, was punished with death. (2 Sam. 6.) The faithful 
Moses, on account of one transgression, was not permitted to 
enter the promised land. (Deut. 34.) Whoever received not 
the bloody sign of circumsision, was to be cut off from among 
the people. (Gen. 17.) Therefore, it must be plainly understood, 
that his word and will must be obeyed, otherwise there is no 
salvation, for he is the God who has made heaven and earth and 
the fullness thereof; the almighty and terrible God, who lives 
forever in his majesty and glory— the Lord and Ruler over all. 
Wo to him who speaks against him and despises his word and 
will. The works of such an one testify that he believes not on 
Christ, and whosoever believeth not, (as Christ himself de- 
clares,) is condemned already. (John 3.) Therefore, it is all in 
vain to excuse, or seek for evasion. Whoever is so unbelieving 
and stubborn that he will refuse God a handful of water, will 
not obey the command to love enemies, to mortify the flesh, to 
serve neighbors, and to take up the christian cross. I will 
commit this to the serious reader for reflection, in the fear of 
God. 

I know for certain, that all your disputation, excuse and 
covering, are nothing but fig leaves, and your life is nothing 
but hypocrisy. 

Observe, when the Lord had promised to Abraham, that at 
the end of the year he would return, and that Sarah, his wife, 
would have a son, whom he should call Isaac, and that he 
would make his eternal covenant with him and his seed after 
him, (Gen. 17, 18;) though he was near a hundred years old, 
and Sarah ninety, nevertheless, he doubted not. He did not 
think upon, or regard his own frailty and the barrenness of 
Sarah, but, firm and strong in faith, he trusted upon the pro- 
mise of his God, and praised him for his grace. He knew that 
God was able to do what he promised. (Rom. 4.) Therefore, 
from this same Abraham, descended as many as the sands of 
the sea shore or the stars of the sky. (Heb. 11.) 

Behold, most beloved, how an upright christian faith regards 
God as almighty and true, it knows that he can and will do all 
that he promised, and therefore, Abraham looked not upon the 



190 Abraham's faith and obedience. 

frailty and age of himself and Sarah. He doubted not the pro- 
mised words, but believed without wavering, for he knew well, 
that the same God who created heaven and earth, (John 1,) 
who stretched the heavens abroad, and to the raging sea set an 
established bound, whose word sustains the earth in the midst 
of the water, who rules all with the word of his strength, and 
gives life to the dead, (Jer. 5 ; 2 Pet. 3,) could undoubtedly, 
when he chose, render that fruitful, which before was barren. 
(Heb. 1 ; Rom. 4.) 

Since then, (I say) such a promise was made him by God, he 
doubted not, but hoped for that, which in nature, was not to be 
expected. Through faith in God, he received that which was 
promised to him : That the aged and barren Sarah should have 
a son. (Gen. 21 ; Heb. 11.) And thus it is spiritually with us — 
if we believe, with the whole heart, the promised word of grace, 
(which is the gospel of peace,) whereby the redemption from 
our sins, through the blood of the Lord, is made known ; so will 
also our dead conscience flourish and live ; we shall receive the 
spiritual Isaac, Christ Jesus, with the eternal blessing, and 
bring forth fruit. Christ has said : My mother and my brethren 
are those, who hear God's word and will, and do accordingly, 
(Luke 8; Matt. 12 ; Mark 3;) but whosoever believeth not, re- 
ceives not Christ, but the wrath of God abides upon him. 
(John 3.) 

Observe further, how severely the Lord tried the faith of 
Abraham, when he said: Take thy only son, Isaac, whom 
thou lovest, and go into the land of Moriah, and offer him there 
as a burnt offering upon the mountain which I will shew thee. 
Abraham heard the word of the Lord and was obedient. He 
took his son with him and went to the place, which the Lord 
had commanded him ; and when he came there, Isaac said : 
Father, behold here is fire and wood, but where is the lamb 
that shall be offered ? Abraham answered his son, and said : My 
son, the Lord will provide a lamb for the offering. (Gen. 22.) 

my most beloved, do reflect! Observe the conduct and 
conversation of Abraham and his son/ I suppose reason will 
tell you how full of trouble and grief the mind of the father was 
on account of his beloved son, for Abraham was flesh and blood 
as we are. That son, who was born to him in his old age, 
through the promise and gift of God — his only son born of a 
free woman — the desire, the joy and the peace of his heart — the 
staff of his age, through whom he received the comforting pro- 
mise, must be slain and burned with fire. 

How hard and sorely he was tried, yet did he not oppose 
God with a single word, nor contend and say : Why has thou 
given me a son since he must die ? Neither did he reprove the 



Abraham's faith and obedience. 191 

Lord, by saying", that he had falsified his promise, for, it was 
through Isaac that the promise was made. But he confided in 
his God with his whole heart ; he laid aside all reasoning and 
followed not sense nor flesh. He spared not his beloved son 
for the Lord's sake. He loved his God far above his child, 
and therefore, he refused not to offer him willingly as a burnt 
offering to Him from whom he received him. He bound him 
and lifted him upon the wood, and raised his hand and knife to 
slay him — he believed that God could again recall him from 
the dead. He was about to obey the command which he had 
received, when an angel spake from Heaven, saying : Lay not 
thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing to him, for 
now I know that thou fearest God; seeing that thou has not 
withheld thy son, thy only son from me. (Gen. 22.) And thus 
the obedient, faithful Abraham received his son as a type of the 
resurrection. (Heb. 11.) The word of James is true: Abraham 
believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness, 
and he is called the friend of God. (James 2.) 

Beloved children, we must always stand confounded before 
God, when we compare our little faith and its fruit with the 
faith of Abraham. He refused not to travel in an unknown 
country, as soon as he was commanded. (Gen. 12.) He was 
a man full of peace, and sought not his own interest. (Gen. 13.) 
He released Lot out of the hands of his enemies. (Gen. 14.) 
He believed the promise concerning the promised land and 
seed. He murmured not on account of the long time nor of 
the oppression of his seed. (Gen. 15.) He suffered himself to 
be circumcised in advanced age. (Gen. 17.) He believed the 
Lord's promise concerning Isaac, and taught all his servants 
and children, that they should follow the way of the Lord, and 
do that which was right. (Gen. 180 He was willing to offer 
Isaac as the Lord had commanded him. (Gen. 22.) This may 
truly be called faith. 

So entirely was this pious man dead to himself, that he denied 
all his lusts, his will and mind, and loved his God alone. He 
trusted, feared, served and honored his God, with all his soul 
and heart, and walked according to his commandments, as is 
evidenced by his works. But what kind of faith our false-famed 
christians possess, who suffer themselves to think that they are 
the children of Abraham, I will let their fruits be the judge; for 
they covet and hoard, curse and swear, lie and cheat; they are 
proud and haughty; they eat and drink, are incontinent and 
fierce, they rob and pillage, are full of all idolatry and wicked- 
ness. Those who have a little light refuse to remove from one 
village to another, for the sake of the Lord's word and truth ; 
they seek their own interests and esteem brotherly love but 



192 OF MOSES' FAITH AND FIDELITY. 

lightly, they are earthly minded ; the Lord's promise and good- 
ness they regard not; they fear not his coming judgment, and 
punishment; they love the creature more than the Creator; 
His name be blessed forever. 

In short, I know not what it is, in which they do not serve 
themselves and act contrary to the command of God. They 
boast notwithstanding, that they are the children of Abraham, 
and have his promise. Ah no ! my friends, your prophets deceive 
you, and your false hopes delude you ; as true as the Lord lives, 
if you believe not his word, from the whole heart, nor through 
the power of the same faith, walk in his ways — bring not forth 
the christian fruits of righteousness, nor follow the footsteps of 
this pious patriarch: you are not his seed and children, neither 
have you his faith nor his promise. But all who receive Christ 
in their hearts, through faith, and adhere to his word, are the 
children of Abraham, and fellow heirs of his promise, (Gal. 3,) 
for they are reckoned his seed. (Rom. 9.) 



OF MOSES' FAITH AND FIDELITY. 

Moses, a servant and messenger of God, was also found 
faithful, vigorous, living and active in his faith. He was called 
of the Lord, that he should lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses 
did not exalt himself to the high station of a prince and leader, 
but he humbled himself before God with all his heart ; he said : 
Send, Lord whom thou wilt send, but what am I, that I should 
go to Pharoah and lead, forth Israel? Beside, had I not a slow 
tongue from the time that thou spakest to thy servant. (Exod. 
3, 4.) He refused so long, that the Lord was angry. With 
fear and trembling, he at last took upon himself the com- 
manded duty, and surrendered himself to his God, in whom he 
trusted. 

He went willingly before the fierce Pharoah, and shewed 
great wonders and power before him and all his servants. 
(Exod. 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.) He ransomed the people, through God's 
out-stretched arm and strong hand. (Exod. 14.) He divided 
the Red Sea and passed with Israel, unharmed, through the 
deep. (Exod. 32, 34.) He received the tables of stone on 
which were written the Lord's commands. (Gal. 3.) He 
cansed bread to rain from heaven, and water to flow from the 
flinty rock. (Exod. 16, 17.) He prepared the tents and the 
ark of the testimony, as he was directed upon the mountain. 
He ordained the figurative priesthood, with all the duties, offer- 
ings, sanctifications, apparel, &c, according to the Lord's com- 
mand. (Exod. 25, 30.) 



OF MOSES' FAITH AND FIDELITY. 193 

He went with the people — pitched the tents, and took them 
up again at the command of the Lord. (Num. 9.) He gave 
them the Lord's statutes and laws. He stood as a faithful 
mediator between God and the people, when they had sinned, 
and he turned the wrath from Israel. He published idolatry, 
whoredom and stubbornness. He slew Sihon, king of the 
Amorites, and Og, king of Basham. The Lord was with him 
in all his works and ways. (Num. 9, 25, 16, 21 ; Exod. 23 ; 
Deut. 3.) 

Through faith, says Paul, he refused to be called the son of 
Pharaoh's daughter, and chose rather to endure affliction with 
the people of God, than the pleasures of sin for a season. 
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the 
treasure of Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of 
the reward ; by faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath 
of the king : for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 
Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinking of 
blood, lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them. 
(Exod. 12; Heb. 11.) 

Good reader, regard the word of the Lord, for when we look 
upon such holy examples and contrast them with the insupporta- 
ble pride, haughtiness, avarice, idolatry, disobedience and unfaith- 
fulness of the Prince of the world, and with the hardened, mad 
unbelief of the common people, we shall know that they are far 
from the obedience and active faith of Moses. Yea, they are 
unbelieving heathens, and not Christians. 

Moses believed his God, he acted rightly in all his transac- 
tions. He was kind, and was solicitous for the welfare of the 
people under his care. He was the meekest of mem. (Num. 12.) 
He served neither for gift nor reward — but obeyed the Lord's 
word — was faithful in all his house, (Heb. 3,) and faithfully 
prosecuted his duties in the fear of the Lord. He faithfully 
commanded out of the mouth of God, and in upright love 
faithfully admonished the people, that they and their descendants, 
from generation to generation, should hear and be obedient to 
the voice of the Lord God of their father's, and should follow 
no other customs, commandments, righteousness or worship, 
than he had taught or commanded them, till the new prophet — 
the teacher of righteousness, the blessed seed of Abraham — 
Christ Jesus should come. (Deut. 18.) 

But if we go to our rulers, princes, lords, bishops, priests, 
monks, and all of those who boast of the name and faith of 
Christ, and if we measure their faith and obedience with the 
Lord's word, and should find any who seek Christ from the 
heart, fear, love, believe and trust him ; who teach the ordi- 
nances, commands, sacraments and. true worship of God, I fear 

17 



194 THE FAITH OF CALEB AND JOSHUA. 

their number would be few. And though some there are, yet, 
alas ! they mast be a prey to the bloodthirsty. 

I testify to you the truth, in Christ, and lie not. All who hear 
not Christ's voice, believe not his holy word, follow not his pure 
unblamable life, from the whole heart, in all humility, patience, 
meekness, obedience and love ; they have not Moses operating, 
and living faith, but are after the contents of his doctrines al- 
ready judged. (Deut. 18.) 0, dear reader, beware! neither 
name nor force will avail you, but energy and action, if you 
would become happy, and not be condemned. 



THE FAITH OF CALEB AND JOSHUA. 

Joshua and Caleb, through faith, passed over Jordan and en- 
tered the promised land. For when Moses sent out the twelve 
spies to view and explore the country, he said : Get you up this 
way southward, and go up into the mountain, and see the land 
what it is, and the people who dwell therein, whether they be 
strong or weak, few or many ; and w T hat the land is that they 
dwell in, whether it be good or bad, and what cities they be 
that they dwell in, whether in tents or in strong holds. And 
what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be 
wood therein or not : and be ye of good courage, and bring of 
the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of first-ripe 
grapes. 

They went up and viewed the land, even as Moses had com- 
manded them by the mouth of the Lord, and after forty days 
they came to Moses and Aaron, and to the whole congregation 
in the wilderness of Paran to Hadesh, carrying with them 
grapes, pomegranates and figs, saying : We came into the land 
whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and 
honey, and this is the fruit of it. Moreover, we saw the chil- 
dren of Anak there. 

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said: Let us 
go up at once and possess it ; for we are well able to overcome 
it. But the men that went up with him said, we be not able to 
go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. And 
they brought up an evil report of the land which they had 
searched unto the children of Israel, saying : The land through 
which we have gone to search it, is the land that eateth up the 
inhabitants thereof, and all the people that we saw in it are men 
of great stature ; and there we saw the giants, the sons of Anah, 
who came of the giants ; and we were in our own sight as grass- 
hoppers, and so we were in their sight. (Num. 13.) 



THE FAITH OF CALEB AND JOSHUA. 195 

And all the congregation lifted up their voice and cried ; and 
the people wept that night, and all the children of Israel mur- 
mured against Moses and against Aaron, saying : Would to God 
that we had died in the land of Egypt, or would to God that we 
had died in the wilderness, and wherefore hath the Lord brought 
us to this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our 
children should be a prey. Would it not be better for us to 
return to Egypt? And they said one to another : Let us make 
a captain, and let us return to Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron 
fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregations of 
Iarael. And Joshua and Caleb rent their clothes, and spake 
unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, the land which we 
passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the 
Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land and give 
it us ; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel 
ye not against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land, 
for they are bread to us : their defence is departed from them, 
and the Lord is with us : fear them not. But all the congrega- 
tion bade stone them with stones. (Num. 14.) 

Behold, dear reader, it is because these two faithful men be- 
lieved the word and promise of God, with all their hearts, they 
trusted firmly in his almighty power, paternal mercy and great 
works, as if they had already obtained them. They saw the 
heinous unbelief and heard the bitter murmuring of their breth- 
ren, that they thereby detracted from the almighty Majesty, as 
if he were not able to fulfil his promises unto them, and that he 
had deceived them by his enticing words, therefore, they were 
very sorrowful and sad, and rent their clothes, as has been 
said. And therefore they were the only two persons of six hun- 
dred thousand, that came with Moses out of Egpyt, who entered 
into the promised land. All the rest died in the wilderness 
during the time of forty years, and they did not reach the 
promised land, because they did not believe on the almighty and 
powerful God, the God of their fathers, of Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob, who, with such unheard-of signs and wonders, led them 
forth through the Red Sea, and so graciously upheld and 
guarded them in the wilderness. 

Thus, alas, it is with some at the present day. They have 
spied the pleasant land — have seen and tasted its precious 
fruits. They have been enlightened by the word of the Lord, 
and have tasted of the heavenly gifts, have partaken of the 
Holy Ghost, have tasted of the sweet word of God, and the 
power of the world to come, (Heb. 6,) they have beheld the 
grace of the Lord, but since they consult not God, but their 
own sinful, disobedient, evil flesh, they seek their own, and bear 
not willingly the cross of the Lord. They behold with carnal 



196 THE FAITH OF CALEB AND JOSHUA. 

eyes that so many powerful tyrants and fenced cities are arrayed 
against them — that they have to pass a howling wilderness, and 
mast ascend many high mountains ; — that they must surrender 
reputation, possessions, relations, body and life, as a prey. 
Hence they murmur against Moses and Aaron, and seek to stone 
Joshua and Caleb. They give to their poor teachers and leaders, 
(who with true love direct to Christ's word and examples, 
and preach the pure truth,) such intolerable suffering; They 
backbite and defame them beyond measure, and chose to them- 
selves a false teacher, who, with fair words and under the ap- 
pearance of good, shall lead them back to Egypt. They prefer 
temporal to eternal things, they fear perishing man more than 
the immortal, eternal God, the Lord and Creator of the world. 
With unbelieving Israel, they say in their hearts : We are not 
strong enough to go up against this great and strong people, 
and are not able to obey and follow Christ's doctrine and ordi- 
nances and example : for the world is against us, all lords and 
princes persecute us, the preachers and priests upbraid and 
defame us, and we must become a by-word and a derision to all 
the world. We are much too weak to bear such great misery. 
Thus you think and err, for your unbelieving, fleshly hearts have 
so blinded you, that you know not God's righteous judgment, 
you hope not that a holy life shall be rewarded, you esteem not 
the honor of an unblamable soul. (Sap. 2.) 

Dear reader, take warning, for as true as the Lord lives, all 
those who cast aside the word of the Lord, and trust not on 
God, who are earthly and fleshly minded, who fear those whom 
they ought not to fear, and fear not those whom they should 
fear, who think more of the perishable creature as possessions, 
relatives, body and life, than of the everlasting God and his 
eternal kingdom, and have a greater desire to enjoy in peace, for 
a season, the dark Egypt of this ungodly world, than to inherit 
the pleasant fruitful land, with endless peace with God, — such 
shall all fall in the wilderness, and, unless they repent, shall 
never enter into his rest. (Heb. 3, 4.) 

But those who, with Caleb and Joshua, hold firmly to the 
word of the Lord, and believe on Christ, as the scriptures direct, 
are firmly assured in their heart by the Holy Ghost, that God 
will not fail in a single word, but will accomplish in its time, all 
that he has promised. He will not suffer them to be prevailed 
against by the gate of hell, nor to be deceived by the subtle 
lies and philosophy of the learned, nor to be alarmed by the 
tyranny of the blood-thirsty, nor to be overcome by fleshly lusts, 
nor to be bewitched by the fair appearance of false prophets ; 
they walk humbly in their King's highway, they follow Christ, 
their shepherd and leader. They judge their ways by his spirit, 



OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 197 

word, and unblamable example, they turn not aside, either to 
the right hand or the left. They, with all saints and believers, 
take possession of the promised land — the eternal rest and peace 
— God's eternal kingdom und glory, and will forever inherit the 
grace of Christ, as Joshua and Caleb possessed the figurative 
land through faith, and with their children inherit it. children 
believe ! All things, saith Christ, are possible to those who be- 
lieve. (Mark 9.) 



OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 

Josiah, an illustrious and pious king in all his works, did that 
which was pleasing to the Lord, and walked in all the ways of 
his father David and departed not therefrom either to the right 
hand or to the left. And when he was yet a child he began to 
seek the God of David his father. And in the eighteenth year 
of his age he sentShaphan to Hilkiah the high priest that money 
might be given to those who worked at the house of the Lord. 
And Hilkiah said to Shaphan : I have found the book of the Law 
in the house of the Lord, and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan 
and he brought it to the king. And when the king heard the 
words of the law, he rent his clothes, as oue who feared his God. 
He believed the Lord's word and feared the coming wrath which 
he threatened iu the book which was found. He then com- 
manded Hilkiah, Ahakim, Achbor, and Shaphan saying: Go 
and inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all 
Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found, for 
great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, be- 
cause our Fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this 
book, to do according to all that is written concerning us. 

So they went to Huidah a prophetess, the wife of Shallum 
and asked her as Josiah had commanded them ; the woman 
answered them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel, tell the man 
who hath sent you unto me ; Thus saith the Lord, behold I 
will bring evil upon the place, and upon the inhabitants thereof 
even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath 
read, because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense 
to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger, with all 
the works of their hands, therefore, my wrath shall be kindled 
against this place and shall not be quenched. But to the king 
of Judah. which sent you to enquire of the Lord, thus shall ye 
say to him. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, as touching the 
words which thou hast heard, because thine heart was tender, 
and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou 

17* 



198 OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 

heardesf. what I spake against this place and against the inhabi- 
tants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, 
and hast rent thy clothes and wept before me, I also have heard 
thee, saith the Lord. Behold, therefore, I will gather thee to 
thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace, 
and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon 
this place, and they brought the king word again. 

When now the king heard these words, he sent and gathered 
unto him all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king 
went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah 
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests 
and all the prophets and the people both great and small, and 
he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant, 
which was found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood 
by a pillar, and made a covenant before the Lord to walk after 
the Lord and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, 
and his statutes with all their heart, and all their soul to per- 
form the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 
And all the people stood to the covenant. And he caused all 
to serve the Lord, and they departed not from him as long as 
Josiah lived. 

Here, dear reader, observe what kind of faith and fruits were 
possessed by Josiah. He heard and believed the word of the 
Lord. He rent his clothes/enquired of the Lord and renewed 
the covenant because he heard what God had commanded in 
the same book. That they should not do according to their 
own thoughts, and that they should not follow after strange 
Gods, nor the abominations of the Canaanites and the other 
heathens which were dispersed before them, but they should 
serve the Lord alone and cleave to him, and keep his commands 
as he directed them. He was strong in the Lord, resolved in 
a manly spirit, and acted valiantly in all his doings, for he be- 
lieved and trusted God with all his strength : and with earnest 
zeal, he tore down all that his forefathers, and former kings out 
of their own imaginings and choice had brought in and estab- 
lished as holy service. 

He burnt all the vessels of Baal and tore down all the groves, 
high places and altars, in the land of Judea and Samaria. He 
prepared Tophet, which is in the valley of the children of Hin- 
nom. He destroyed the horses of the sun, and burned the 
chariots of the sun with fire. (Jer. 7.) He broke down the 
altar of Bethel and offered the idolatrous priests and the dead 
bones thereupon, as the man of God had spoken aforetime 
(1 Kings, 23.) He destroyed all* that was opposed to the law 
of God. He kept the passover of the Lord as it was written 
in the book of the covenant, in such a glorious manner as no 



OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 199 

judge or king had kept it before. He also destroyed all sooth- 
sayers and wizards, images and idolatry with all abomination, 
which existed in Judah or Jerusalem, in order that they might 
adopt the words which were written in the book of the law that 
Hilkiah, the High priest had found in the house of the Lord: 
and like unto him there was no king that turned to the Lord 
with all his heart and all his soul, and with all his might, ac- 
cording to the law of Moses ; neither after him arose there any 
like him. (2 Kings 22, 23 ; 2 Chron. 34, 35.) 

Hear now, 0*ye great princes and kings, and all those who 
suffer themselves to think that they are faithful Lords and 
christian princes, to you is my admonition ! Have you any fear 
of God ? any love to Christ or his blessed word ? or is there yet 
any sincerity of nature with you, who have understanding ? 
T^en know that you are not gods from heaven ; but poor dying 
men of Adam's impure, guilty race. Humble yourselves under 
the powerful and almighty hand of God, and compare Josiah 
with his faith and works with your faith and works, in order 
which you may learn to know how far you are from the spirit 
and word of Christ, and that you bear nothing else than a mere, 
idle, vain, empty name. 

Whilst Josiah was yet a child, and young in years, he feared 
God, and manifested a mature mind and understanding in all 
his works ; but you, my dear Lords, fear neither God nor the 
devil ; cursed unbelief is your mother and unrighteousness your 
sister. In divine things you are blind, deaf, mute ; yea, during 
your whole life, you are as destitute of understanding as 
children. 

Josiah was eight years old when he was made king, and in 
the eighth year of his reign, he began to seek the God of David 
his father ; but you, from your youth follow nothing but pride, 
haughtiness of heart, wantonness and sport, you seek to enlarge 
your kingdom, to increase your treasures, to cause wars and 
uproars and to oppress the poor and miserable. One seeks to 
glory over another and as much as in you is, to live in all liberty 
of the flesh full of all lust, The open deed testifies that 1 write 
the truth. 

Josiah began in the twelfth year of his reign to purify Judah 
and Jerusalem from the high places, groves, idolatry and molten 
images, (2 Chron. 34,) but you build them in every city, village, 
street and alley — upon every high mountain and in every deep 
valley, aud whoever would admonish you with the spirit and 
word of Christ, he must be a heretic and must tread the press of 
affliction. 

Joseph was solicitous for the house of the Lord, and ap- 
pointed and paid artificers to labor thereat. But you break 



200 OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 

down, and, by your vindictive mandates, tyranny and the sword, 
oppose the house and dwelling of the Christ, which is his church, 
which he has sanctified by his spirit, cleansed by his blood, and 
adorned by his father's word, ordinances and sacraments. You 
prevent it from being* rebuilt in its apostolic clearness, and from 
becoming perfect in its doctrines, sacraments and conduct, 
according to the command of Christ and his holy word. 

Josiah expelled all soothsayers and wizards. He offered the 
idolatrous priests upon their idolatrous altars, and burned the 
dead bones, &c, but the bones of the man of God from Judah, 
and of the prophets of Samaria, he burned not. But you sus- 
tain and cherish as shepherds of Christ and keepers of your 
souls, false prophets and deceiving priests ; the greater part of 
whom are open drunkards, libertines and idolators, full of all 
unrighteousness, covetous in heart, whose belly is their ggd, 
dumb dogs, who dishonor God, destroy poor miserable souls, 
and are blind watchmen as shepherds of the flocks of Christ. 
You have them in preference in your courts and give them the 
highest seats at your tables (2 Pet. 2 ; Phil. 3 ; Isa. 56 ; John 
10.) They are honored with high names and great titles — they 
are greeted by every one as doctors, lords and masters. You 
present them splendid dwellings, great rents and possessions, 
and say : They who serve the gospel must live of the gospel; 
although they do nothing but place soft pillows and cushions 
under you, and preach according to the itching of your ears. 
But the true, pious teachers and servants of Christ, who cor- 
dially seek your salvation and that of the whole world — who 
direct to Christ — who rightly use his sacraments and ordinances 
— who desire to lead you and all men on the right way — and 
who walk unblamably, they must without mercy or decency be 
persecuted by you, sentenced to fire and water, and must bear 
mockery and shame before all the world. 

Josiah made a covenant with the Lord, and with the elders,, 
priests, prophets and people, that they should serve the Lord 
as long as they lived, &c. But you have made your covenant 
with anti-christ and with all your preachers, priests, monks, 
judges and rulers, that the perverted, broad way should be pur- 
sued, the doctrines and institutions of men should be tausrht, 
followed and observed, instead of the true service of God ; to 
Christ's people, doctrine, commands, spirit, supper, life and 
separation, you give no place, and whoever acts or speaks con- 
trary to your abominations, must lose his possessions or his 
life. 

Josiah heard the word of the Lord and became contrite in 
heart. He rent his clothes and wept before the Lord ; he feared 
the coming wrath, because they and their forefathers had re- 



OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 201 

jected the word of God. But you, my dear lords, are so 
hardened and blind through cursed unbelief, so bound by your 
sins and fleshly lusts, and so bewitched by false prophets, that 
we cannot prevail on you to repent, by the threatening law of 
God, nor by his fierce wrath, and terrible judgment, by the 
devouring flames of hell and eternal death, nor by the peaceful 
gospel, the precious blood of Christ, the pious unblamable life 
of the saints, who with the simple yea and nay, are daily 
slaughtered, like innocent sheep, on account of their faith and 
righteousness. It is time that you awake, and behold how you 
and we with our forefathers, so abundantly merited God's 
righteous punishment and wrath, on account of our sins. May 
the merciful Lord grant to you eyes that you may see, 

Josiah turned to the Lord with his whole heart, soul and 
might, but you dare proudly disregard the God who has created 
you, deny the Lord who has purchased you, and turn yourselves 
to dumb idols, to wood, stone, gold and silver — to water, bread 
and wine — to the unprofitable doctrines and commandments of 
men, yea, to open abominations and idolatry, not observing that 
it stands written : Idolators shall have their part in the lake 
which burns with fire and brimstone. (Rev. 21.) 

Behold, dear sirs, the above is true. I can prove it by your 
pride, whoredom, fleshly life, and by the ruins of burnt countries 
and cities, the great number of churches, cloisters, priests and 
monks and the matins, vespers, and other false worship. 

Besides, when we, on account of our sins, are visited with 
pestilence, famine, war, and other dangerous evils and plagues, 
your only remedies, to appease the wrath of God, and quench 
the burning fire of his anger, are masses, processions (as they 
are called) dead bones, images, crosses, banners. They, the 
papists I mean, bear these strange abominations, and follow 
after them with uncovered heads, folded hands, and burning 
candles, &c. Therefore, you turn not aside the fierce wrath, 
but augment it more and more, for the Lord will not give his 
divine honor to works of man's choice nor to any creature, 
neither does he accept any such masses, processions, crosses, 
images and abominations, nor regards them in his mind, as the 
prophet said. (Jer. 7.) 

Beloved sirs, repent. The statute book of Christ is entirely 
lost to you. Christ and his truth, sacraments, spirit and life, 
you have never known nor possessed in the least degree. You 
serve strange gods — you listen to, follow and use anti-christ's 
doctrine, sacraments, ordinances and commands, you lead an 
unclean, ungodly and sensual life. sirs, take warning ! your 
sins have arisen to heaven. (Rev. 18.) 

And although it is so little regarded by you, (God grant it 



202 OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 

may be otherwise) yet this book of Christ has been found again 
by some. The pure unadulterated truth has come to light, 
through the pure unmingled gospel, and is daily read in your 
ears, and explained before your eyes with a godly, virtuous 
life, with an open confession, and, above all, with much of 
the property and blood of the saints, still your hearts continue 
stony and hard; you cannot be moved nor turned either by 
grace or wrath, by adversity or prosperity, as we have said. 
Behold thus has the blindness of Sodom, the darkness of Egypt, 
the hardening of Pharoah, through the righteous judgment of 
God, come upon our kings, princes, lords and rulers. 

Dear sirs, awake! and make haste, the trumpet is sounded, 
prepare yourselves: your mortal sickness and cankering wounds 
are shown to you. I counsel you to suffer yourself to be helped, 
you possess neither Christ nor his word. Your controversy is 
against the Lamb and his chosen. (Kev. 17.) Your way is in 
darkness, and leads to the abyss of hell. The wrath of the 
Lord has gone forth over you and your land, for you live more 
carnally and evil than can be imagined or described. 

my dear sirs ! reform, repent so that you may stand before 
God, cleanse your hands and hearts before the Lord; change 
your pride, into humility, and your mirth, and joy into sorrow ; 
rend your hardened hearts, and your garments, (James 4; Joel 
2,) hear and seek Christ, and not anti-christ; implicitly obey 
Christ's spirit, doctrine, commands and infalible example, and 
not the vain doctrines and commandments of men, for they 
corrupt and profit not. 

Put away from among you, all offence, abominations and 
idolatry, masses, altars, infant baptism, the idolatrous bread, 
or supper, (I mean such as used by the world) images, confes- 
sions, the wanton sodomy, unchastity of the papistic priests and 
monks; destroy and root up all accursed heathen disgrace; such 
as brothels, every species of gambling, open houses of drunken- 
ness, together with idolatrous temples, high places, groves, 
churches and cloisters, which were so numerously built contrary 
to the scriptures by our forefather, through blindness and igno- 
rance. 

We call on all, poor deceiving teachers and false sects, great 
and small, who are against Christ's spirit, ordinances, word and 
life sincerely to repent, and help us to resist, not by power, 
tyranny or sword ; as, alas ! it is the custom with you, but by 
the spirit of Christ; with doctrine, exhortation and the like 
virtuous services and mild means, so that they may turn from 
evil, hear Christ and follow him only, 

Permit all faithful messengers and servants of God to preach 
Christ, to use his sacraments and ordinances according to the 



OF THE BELIEF OF THE PIOUS JOSIAH. 203 

scriptures : lead a penitent and unblamable life, and gather 
Christ a glorious community through the spirit and grace of 
God, according to the scriptures. (1 Cor. 11.) 

Again I say, reform, you have erred and mocked God too 
long, and prayed too long to anti-christ, and walked too long 
in the perverse and hard way of death. Awaken ! it is high 
time, the true law, Christ's saving, pure gospel is found, which 
was covered for so many centuries by the abominations of anti- 
christ. 

Hear and read attentively, believe and observe it faithfully; 
it is the word of the Lord God, which Jesus Christ the almighty 
Father's first and only begotten, brought from heaven and 
taught us. Bow to his righteous sceptre, fear, love, serve, 
honor and follow him with all your heart, with all your soul and 
with all your powers, as did the pious Josias. For the Lord 
our God, is Lord of lords, and God of gods, mighty, terrible, 
neither, honoring nor fearing any one. (Deut. 10.) 

Yes, beloved sirs, can you thus convert yourselves with all 
your hearts? can you change your hearts? can you humble 
yourselves before God ? deny yourselves ? seek and follow 
Christ and his righteousness ? renounce the world and flesh 
with all its lusts, (Wis. 6 ; Acts 10 ; Rom. 10 ; Gal. 2 ; Kph. 6 ; 
Col. 3 ; James 2,) as you have heard ? Then you will become, 
true, spiritual kings, priests, and mighty ; you will possess your 
souls in peace, gain the victory and conquest over all the 
deadly enemies of your souls ; you will live in grace, and die in 
grace ; and you may in truth be called christian kings and be- 
lieving princes. The testimony of Peter to all christians, I say 
to all christians, is : Ye are a chosen generation, a holy nation, 
a peculiar people. (1 Pet. 2.) 

But if you refuse this and remain what you are now, pre- 
ferring perishing, temporal pleasures and joys, to the imperish- 
able, eternal joy and glory ; I would then that you would reflect 
upon what Sirach says : Why are earth and ashes proud ? He 
that is to-day a king, to-morrow shall die. (Sir. 10.) Yea, 
what are they all who are of Adam, dust and ashes, a passing 
wind, a vapor, poor, miserable, mortal flesh, food for worms, yea 
men, and not God. O, Sirs, take warning, awake and reform 
yourselves ! God is Lord, who will judge you. Once more, 
take warning. 

Behold, my kind reader, here you have before you a few ex- 
amples of true faith, as Noah and Abraham, before the giving 
of the law, and Moses, Joshua, Caleb and Josiah, under the law, 
whereby you may learn, how a true christian faith abounds in 
all manner of fruits and virtues ; what the true faith always 
was, as may be seen in Abel, Enoch, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, 



204 OF THE CENTURION'S FAITH OF CAPERNAUM. 

Jephtha, Baruch, Gideon, Sampson, Rahab, Samuel, David, 
Ezekiel, Elias, Helias and others. Now, I will by the grace 
of God, present you with a few examples from the New Testa- 
ment, whereby you may very clearly learn what an indiscribably 
great power, fruit, life and energy, a true evangelical christian 
faith in its true nature always includes. So that you will not, 
through a false notion, conform to this ignorant, unbelieving 
world, who boast and pretend that their fruitless, dead opinion 
and historical knowledge of Christ, is a sincere, evangelical 
faith. 



OF THE CENTURION'S FAITH OF 
CAPERNAUM. 

It so happened at the time when the Lord Jesus entered 
Capernaum, that a Centurion's servant lay sick, whom he loved 
much. When he heard that Jesus was there, he had the con- 
sent of some of the elders of the Jews, and sent them with a 
request to Jesus, that he would come to him and restore his 
sick servant, and Jesus went with them. And not being far 
from the Centurion's house, he sent some of his friends to him, 
who said : Lord trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that 
thou shouldst enter under my roof, (here notice his humility,) 
and I did not think myself worthy personally to call and see 
thee ; but speak the word, and my child shall be healed. He 
acknowledged that all must bow to Christ and his word. I also 
am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I 
say unto one : Go, and he goeth ; and to another come, and he 
cometh ; and to my servant do this, and he doeth it. As if he 
would say to Christ: Behold, Lord, I am but a man, and have 
to serve the councils at Rome, nevertheless, I have so much 
power over my servauts, that they must obey wjjat I command 
them ; but thou, Lord, art such a Lord that all the mighty have 
to bow to thee, all that is in heaven above and on earth be- 
neath, must yield to thee. If thou but command sickness and 
death, they will have to obey thee, and leave my child. And 
again, if thou command health and life, they will have to return 
again. Therefore, it is not necessary that thou shouldst come 
-into thy unworthy servant's house ; Lord, only speak the word, 
and my child will again be restored. When Jesus had heard 
these words, he was quite astonished, and said to the people 
that followed : Verily, I say unto you, I have not found so great 
faith, no, not in Israel. (Matt. 8 ; Luke 7 ; John 4.) 

Behold, faithful reader, here you have the centurion as -a 
living example, by which you may learn how a true christian 



OF THE CENTURION'S FAITH OF CAPERNAUM. 205 

faith humbles itself before God, and doubts not the power of 
God, and how kindly and graciously he deals with his poor ser- 
vants, be they male or female. He was moved with compassion 
towards his poor servant, and had great concern for him, that 
he spared no pains to trouble the elders of the Jews to send to 
Christ and entreat him to come and heal his sick servant. This 
is to the disgrace of all false christians, and especially to many 
rich, some of whom are more severe on, and have less feeling 
for, the servants and hirelings, than they have for their domes- 
tic animals ; for as soon as the servants sicken a little, so that 
they cannot perform all manner of drudgery, they are unmerci- 
fully turned out of doors, and sent to this, or that tavern, or to 
their parents and friends, who scarce have bread to satisfy 
their wants. Others again, have, to get a substitute in their 
place, while sick, and pay him out of their own earned pittance. 
And if they even do fulfil their engagements with hard and 
severe labor, still, some of these unmerciful, blood-thirsty, treat 
these innocent ones, (who have to watch when they sleep, labor 
when they rest, run when they command, stand when they sit,) 
in such a manner, as to take the greater portion of their earn- 
ings, or scandalize them ; now, say they, a spoon is lost; anon, 
a dish is broken ; in short, they always speak evil of them and 
can never be pleased. Yea, if some of them could feed them 
upon water or straw, and pay them with the whip and chaff, 
even as they do their laboring oxen and horses, if they were not 
afraid and ashamed of men, they would not be ashamed before 
God, alas, whom they know not. wo, unto such heathen 
tyranny and unmericiful cruelty ! 

The centurion calls his servant Jus child, by which he mani- 
fests his paternal love and humility towards his poor servant. 
Though he was lord, and held in high honor, nevertheless, he 
did not exalt himself above his poor servant, well knowing, that 
one God had created them, that they were born of one seed, 
and had one origin. But what conduct such heathen christians 
do manifest towards their oppressed servants, their actions, alas, 
openly show ! 

How lamentably some of the poor children are despised by 
them. How many disgraceful words have they to hear, and how 
many sore stripes to endure. Their cursed swearing and threat- 
ning and rash words, continue from morning till night. Some of 
them make their girls prostitutes and sluts; yea, why speak 
more, they esteem their servants as filth — as nothing — and even 
so do some of them, especially the rich, esteem these poor 
children. Ah ! reader, it is all much worse than I can describe 
it; it is indeed time that. they would look into these things,. and . 
reflect more deeply upon love. 

18 



206 OF THE CENTURION'S FAITH OF CAPERNAUM. 

The centurion humbled himself before the Lord with all his 
heart, esteeming himself not worthy that He should come under 
his roof. But our haughty, proud heathens strut about with 
puffed up hearts and extended necks, high-minded, idle, and 
daring ; one boasts of his family, another of his wealth, a third 
of his wisdom, a fourth of his skill and beauty, &c, and the inno- 
cent and meek Christ, who says : Learn of me ; for I am meek 
and lowly in heart, (Matt. 11 ;) of whose name, word, death and 
blood they falsely boast, they hear and know not. 

The centurion believed, that Christ was mighty and able to do 
all by his word what he desired to do ; but this miserably 
benighted people esteem it no more than they do Lucian and 
iEsopian fables. Hence it is, that they lead such an impenitent 
and carnal life, and use such idolatrous sacraments and false 
worship, and have departed so far from the true King's high- 
way, still they would be the true apostolic church and the be- 
lieving community of Christ ? but even as Christ testified and 
said of the centurion ; that he found not such faith in Israel ; so 
we might, on the other hand, testify and say of this people, that 
such a heedless, revengeful, haughty, proud and unmerciful 
unbelief is unknown among the heathens, and is not to be found 
with them, who never heard of the word of Christ. Behold, 
thus does the righteous Lord let those err and fall into blindness 
of heart, who so little regard his most holy word, and hate 
and thrust from them his grace, goodness, spirit, knowledge and 
faith. 

But it is not so with you, my most beloved, take this sincere 
and pious centurion as an example, imitate him in his faith, 
love, humility and virtues, and be as solicitous for your servants, 
as he was for his, teach, admonish and reprove them kindly, as 
oft as they do err ; set them an unblamable example, in all right- 
eousness and piety ; and have compassion with their severe labor ; 
comfort them in their poverty ; comfort, and grieve them not, 
supply them with their necessary wants, food and their earned 
hire, and do not curtail them ; protect them in all honorable 
things ; contend not with them without cause, lest they become 
timid ; do not drive them away from you, but let them unmolest- 
edly serve out their time as agreed lest the name of the Lord be 
blasphemed ; be at all times friendly towards them, and if they 
are weak and sick, assist and minister to them ; get others to 
serve in their place, without detriment to them ; till the Lord 
take them hence, or restore them to health ; sympathize with, 
and be merciful towards them, assist them in all their need; lilt 
not your hearts above them, do not despise them, for they are 
your brethren according to the flesh. In short, be you so minded 
in love towards them as Christ was towards you. Remember, 



OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE PUBLICAN. 207 

that we also have a Lord in heaven, before whose judgment-seat 
we must appear and render an account of all our works. (Eph. 
6; Col. 3; Rom. 2, 14; 2 Cor. 5.) 

But if they are wanton and obstinate, and will not hear nor 
follow your admonition and counsel, would rule and not serve ; 
waste their time and not labor industriously ; are unfaithful, 
resist and murmur ; ruin your house and children, are roguish, 
&c. ; then agree with them and bring the matter, touching their 
wages, before two or three witnesses, so that the blame may not 
rest upon you, and the word of the Lord be not evil spoken of. 
In such case then, let them be dismissed, that your good con- 
science be not disturbed on their account, and your house and 
children be depraved. Yea, my brethren, you should do to your 
poor hirelings, even as you desire that it should be done to you, 
being called with them. This the law and the prophets teach. 
(Matt. 7.) 



OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE 
PUBLICAN. 

It happened, says Luke, that Jesus passed through Jericho ; 
and behold, there was a man, called Zaccheus, chief among the 
publicans, (or public sinners,) and he was sick, and he sought to 
see Jesus, who he was, but could not for the press, because he 
was little of stature ; and he ran before, and climbed up into a 
sycamore tree, or as some say, upon a wild olive tree, to see 
him ; for he was to pass that way — and when Jesus came to the 
place, he looked up, and saw him, and said to him : Zaccheus, 
make haste, and come down ; for to-day I must abide at thy 
house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him 
joyfully, and said to him : Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I 
give to the poor ; and if I have taken any thing from any man 
by false accusation, I restore him four fold. Jesus said to him : 
This day is salvation come to this house, for as much as he is 
also a son of Abraham. (Luke 19.) 

Paul says : For whatsoever things were written afore time 
were written for our instruction ; (Rom. 15,) and though we 
know Zaccheus's faith, fruit, mercy, love and true conversion, it 
avails us nothing, if we do not practise and come up to his faith, 
with its contrite, pious fruits. I, therefore, entreat all my read- 
ers, who live openly in sin ; all the wealthy, avaricious, all un- 
righteous merchants and grocers, all financiers and bankers, all 
who love money; judges, lawyers and advocates, all preachers, 
priests and monks, all drunkards, hosts and guests, together with 



208 OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE PUBLICAN. 

all those who deal in unlawful gain. I entreat all by the love of 
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that they would take notice 
of, with an understanding heart, this history and narrative touch- 
ing Zaccheus, in order that they may learn therefrom, that they 
do not yet possess the right, true faith and that Christianity, 
which avails with God ; and that they have nothing bat a fruit- • 
less, vain boasting of Christ and of faith. 

Zaccheus was chief of the publicans, and he received Christ 
joyfully in his house and heart. He believed and was renewed ; 
he reformed his life, and departed from his former evil ways. 
But it is clearer than day-light that our open transgressors do 
not reform their old ungodly life, and hence they desire not Christ 
and his faith of which they boast. 

Zaccheus was rich, and one half of his wealth he gave to the 
poor. But our rich people seek more and more, how they may 
increase their money and possessions, build their houses splen- 
didly, and add farm to farm. They do not defend the cause of 
the poor and needy — they are unmerciful, proud, avaricious and 
wanton ; do not remember what is written concerning them. Go 
to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall 
come upon you ; your riches are corrupted, and your garments 
are moth-eaten ; your gold and silver are cankered, and the rust 
of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as 
it were fire. (James 5.) Neither do you reflect on what David 
says : I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading him- 
self like the green bay-tree ; yet he passed away, and lo, he was 
not: Yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. (Ps. 37.) 
Ah ! what a hard saying which the Lord uttered : Wo unto you 
that are rich, for ye have received your consolation. (Luke 6.) 
It is easier, says he, for a camel to pass through the eye of a 
needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 
(Matt. 19; Mark 10.) 

Zaccheus said to the Lord: if I have taken any. thing from 
any man by false accusation, I restore it to him four fold. But 
our miserably avaricious never desist defrauding their neighbor. 
For the whole world, both man and woman, are greedy after 
unlawful gain, that it cannot be fully thought of, related or de- 
scribed. 

Lords and princes daily invent new sins and practices, that 
they may increase their dominions, interests, tolls and rents. 
They impose upon and exact, hoard up and seize without bounds 
or mercy; they draw the very marrow from the bones of the 
poor, and show by their actions, that they are companions of 
those of whom it is written : Thy princes are rebellious, and 
companions of thieves, &c. (Isa. 1.) that he knew Christ, 
would repent, cease to do evil, and would reflect more on love. 

Judges, lawyers and advocates also seek all artifice and ad- 



OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE PUBLICAN. 209 

vantage to entrap ; for they all serve for gifts and money, with 
few exceptions ; for if they did not expect profit or gain, I am 
persuaded that burgomasters and judges would be few in the 
whole empire. For the sake of gain, they sit and judge, and 
they ofteu encourage causes for the sake of a fee. Some of them 
pervert law and right for a gift's sake, and do not reflect what 
Jehoshaphat said to the judges : Take heed what ye do ; for ye 
judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in judg- 
ment ; wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you ; take 
heed and do it ; for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, 
nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. (2 Chron. 19 ) 

Captains, riders, servants and such like bloody men, are ready 
to serve for gain's sake, swear that they will destroy cities and 
countries, take citizens and inhabitants, kill them and take their 
possessions from them, although they never harmed them, nor 
gave them provocation. God ! what execrated, ungodly 
abominations and traffic. And still it must be said, that they pro- 
tect the country and people, and that they assist in administer- 
ing justice ! 

Priests, monks and preachers are equally bent upon unlawful 
gain. They are not shocked to make, alas, God's only and first 
begotten Son, his eternal Wisdom, the one and only foundation 
of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, with his holy apostles, to be 
open false witnesses, heretics, and deceivers ; for Christ says : 
He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. (Luke 16.) 
But they say : He that believeth and is baptized, is a heretic, 
and shall be damned. Christ says : But if ihou wilt enter into 
life, keep the commandments. (Matt. 19.) But they say : None 
can keep God's commandments. 

Paul says, (Rom. 8,) If ye live according to the flesh ye shall 
die. Again : neither the unrighteous, nor the covetous, nor 
drunkards, nor revilers, nor fornicators, proud, avaricious, the 
unchaste and the like, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 
Cor. 6.) But they say : We are poor sinners — who can always 
live as the scriptures teach ? Christ died for sinners, and the 
like consolations, whereby they deny Christ and his word, and 
thus they encourage the whole world, rich and poor, great and 
small, in their hardened and wicked life, that there are, alas, few 
who truly repent; or seek after God: they preach what the 
ignorant blind world desires, that they may quietly enjoy Ba- 
laam's reward, in cloisters, that they may lead an epicurian life 
without care, and they, poor creatures, know not that they are 
those of whom it is written : Wo unto them ! for they have gone 
in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Baalam 
for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core, (Jude 1,) 
accursed people. (2 Pet. 2.) God that they would beware ! 

18* 



210 OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE PUBLICAN. 

The unrighteous merchants and grocers, I say the unright- 
eous, for I do not mean those who are righteous and pious, 
together with all those who are avaricious, and bent upon ac- 
cursed gain, so that they exclude God from their hearts ; for if 
they buy any thing, they say it is worth but little, but when they 
have it praise and recommend it as the best article. Thus de- 
fame what they should praise, and praise what they should with 
propriety esteem not at all. Lying and swearing, using many 
vain words, adulterate their goods, in order that they may 
defraud the people. Sell, lend and trust to the needy, with great 
gain and usury. Never reflecting, that it is written : If thou 
sell aught to thy neighbor, or buyest aught of thy neighbor's 
hand, ye shall not oppress one another. (Lev. 25.) 

I would that they might more seriously lay to heart Sirach's 
doctrine : A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing 
wrong : and a huckster shall not be freed from sin : for many 
have sinned for a small matter : and he that seeketh for abun- 
dance will turn his eyes away ; as a nail sticketh fast between 
the joinings of the stones, so doth sin stick close between sel- 
ling and buying. Unless a man hold himself diligently in the 
fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown. ( Ecc. 26, 
27.) ; 

This I write as a warning to the god-fearing merchants and 
grocers, so that they will not imitate the ungodly, lest they be 
overcome by avarice, but be circumspect in dealing and beware 
of dangers. 

Some are made thieves, some murderers and robbers, others 
jugglers, necromancers, some are whoremongers, others gam- 
blers, others are betrayers, others become executioners and 
tormentors, and also some persecutors and slayers of the pious, 
&c. And, 1 say, all do this for accursed gain's sake. Whereby 
they openly testify, because they walk in such a way and are so 
bent upon unlawful gain, that they are of the devil and not of 
God, that they have not the faith and word of Christ, but in 
every respect inimical and opposed thereto. 

Yes, kind reader, the whole world is contaminated and in- 
volved with this accursed avarice, fraud, false practices and 
unbecoming gain, with this false traffic and merchandise, with 
this finance usury and self-interest, that I scarcely know how it 
could be worse ; nevertheless, all the priests and preachers are 
called good christians, and it is said that they get their bread 
honestly, and do justice to all. 

Ah ! my reader, how far all this is from Zaccheus's faith, dis- 
position and converted life ! For if they had the mind, faith and 
power of Zaccheus, (which we must have, would we ever be 
saved,) it is my opinion there would be few lords and princes in 



OF THE FAITH OF ZACCHEUS THE PUBLICAN. 211 

their great power, and splendid living, there would be few riders 
and servants engaged in deeds of blood, there would be few 
judges, lawyers and advocates in their court-houses and offices, 
few rich would use their riches unlawfully, few merchants and 
grocers engaged in their usury and dangerous business, and but 
few preachers, priests and monks in their larders, easy life and 
cloisters. There would soon be a different state of things ; be- 
cause it cannot be, but that the righteous live by faith. (Hab. 
2 : Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3 ; Heb. 10.) Yea, they would with joyful 
heart, say with Zaccheus : The poor toe willingly serve with 
our goods, and if we have defrauded any one, we will gladly 
satisfy him. 

For all who, like Zaccheus, rightly receive Jesus Christ in 
the house of their consciences, rightly receive the word of Christ 
as he did, and be also truly born through the word, are rightly 
influenced by the spirit of Christ, are of the same mind with 
Christ, and therefore, it is impossible that they could defraud any 
one even of a farthing; so that we see that the disposition of all 
true believers is to injure none on earth ; but, as much as in 
them is, they assist all; will defraud none, but do justice to all, 
&c, even as Paul says : Let him that stole, steal no more ; but 
rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is 
good ; that he may have to give to him that needeth. (Eph. 4.) 

But why say much ? For my part I do not know where to find 
the mighty, the rich — in what courts we can find judges, lawyers 
and advocates — and in what cities and countries, merchants and 
and grocers — or what cloisters and churches we can look for 
preachers, priests and monks — who rightly believe and follow 
Christ ; who, being regenerated, penitent and pious, desist from 
all improper practices, fraud, over-reaching and unlawful gain, 
and say with Zaccheus : Those whom we defrauded we will re- 
pay four-fold. The prophet complains that every one from the 
least even unto the greatest, is given to covetousness. (Jer. 8.) 

Since then they are determined upon the accursed, abomi- 
nable avarice, and deal so roughly and diametrically contrary to 
love, and none any where repent, hence, it is also evident that 
they are not in the church and community of Christ ; for 
Christ's church and community are called his body and bride. 
If the church be his body, she must then be flesh of his flesh, 
and bone of his bone ; and if she be his bride, she must be of 
his generation, be righteous, holy, meek, chaste, true, lovely, 
merciful ; yea, hear and be obedient to his voice. (John 3 ; 1 
Cor. 2 ; Eph. 1 ; Rev. 19 ; Eph. 5.) And therefore, Christ can- 
not admit of any other members in his church but those who are 
of one heart, spirit and soul with him, partakers of his spirit, 
who are dead to all unrighteousness, bury the old evil life of 



212 OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 

sin, walk by faith, unbl am ably in love, receive the truth joyfully, 
heartily to serve their neighbor, as did this believing, regene- 
rated and renewed Zaccheus. 

He desired to see Christ, and received him with joy ; he be- 
lieved his word, and abandoned his ungodly life ; he ministered 
to the poor, and reconciled those whom he had defrauded. In 
short, he proved himself to be a pious, sincere, regenerated child 
of God in all his actions; and therefore he heard the peaceable 
word of divine grace : This day is salvation come to this house, 
forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. (Luke 19.) 

Behold, worthy reader, those who are such believing, penitent 
and renewed Zaccheuses, thus walking in love, belong to the 
Lord's community and body, as Christ himself says: Hereby 
men shall know that you are my disciples, if ye love one 
another. (John 13.) They are the living stones of the Lord's 
temple, (John 13 ; 1 Pet. 2,) and the true citizens of Jerusalem ; 
in which neither dogs nor sorcerers, nor whoremongers, nor 
murderers, nor idolators, nor whosoever loveth and maketh a 
lie, have part. (Rev. 22.) Yea, as long as Zaccheus was such 
a one, he was without ; for such, says Paul, have neither lot nor 
part in the kingdom of God and of Christ. (1 Cor. 6.) 

But as soon as he believed the word of the Lord, through 
faith repented, and turned himself to love, from that hour he 
was entitled to citizenship, of Christ himself, the path of life 
was opened to him, peace declared, salvation bestowed, and was 
acknowledged and received as a joint-heir of grace, and a child 
of God, as the Lord says : This day is salvation come to this 
house, fyc. For as Christ is holy, so must also his children, 
brethren, members, community and bride be holy; (1 Pet. 1,) 
for as it is written: Be ye holy, for I am holy. (Lev. 11, 19.) 



OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND 
MURDERER. 

The evangelists teach that there were two malefactors cruci- 
fied with Christ ; the one on the right, and the other on his left. 
And one of them reviled him and said : If thou art the Christ, 
save thyself and us; but the other reproved him and said: 
Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemna- 
tion ? and we, indeed, justly, for we receive the due reward of 
our deeds; but this man hath done uothing amiss. And he 
said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into 
thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him verily this day thou 
shalt be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23.) 



OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 213 

Good reader, observe particularly what I say. When we 
critically view the confession of this evil doer, we are astonished 
at the great power, the good nature, the abundance of fruit, 
spiritual vision, energetic love and the free confession of his 
faith. It is evident that he had been an abandoned vagrant — 
an ungodly reprobate, who neither knew nor feared God, but 
maliciously committed all manner of sins, robbed his neighbor 
of his goods and shed his blood. For Matthew and Mark call 
him a murderer, and Luke calls him a malefactor. This appears 
to be the case as he testifies himself, how that he had to die for 
crimes which he had committed. 

Notwithstanding all this, as soon as this malefactor, extended 
on the cross between Jerusalem and Mount Calvary, heard in 
his last distress, the word of God from the mouth of the Lord ; 
it wrought in him so powerfully, that his heart within him was 
touched and changed, which led him to seek, from that moment, 
the salvation of his fellow-men and rebuked his reviling com- 
panion, saying : Fearest thou not God,? He confessed his own 
sins and his maliciousness, saying : We are receiving according 
to our merits and works; and he acknowledged the condemned 
Jesus (who was cursed to die on the cross as one of the most 
abandoned malefactors, by the ehief priests, pharisees and 
scribes, and denied of the people and condemned to death), to 
be innocent, righteous, pure and without sin, saying: This one 
has done no evil. Besides this, he also sought grace and mercy 
of him, although it appeared to human understanding that he 
was denied all mercy, and every favor both by God and men. 
For he was at this time the most rejected and despised of all 
men, as the prophet laments, (Isa. 53,) and the thief applied to 
none other, in heaven or upon earth, than to this poor, despised, 
accursed and crucified Jesus ; in full confidence drawing near to 
him, as the throne of divine grace : that he might obtain the 
remission of his sins, saying: Lord remember me when thou 
comest in thy kingdom. 

I think, this may justly be called, a true christian faith, and 
a truly worthy fruit of penitence and repentance ; and it was 
nothing else to the Lord, but a refreshing of his panting soul, 
as a molifying of his deep wounds, as a consolation of his sore 
distress, and as a comfort in his painful sufferings and cruel 
death, so that he in the same hour, heard the consoling, joyful 
word of divine grace and eternal peace, from Jesus, namely : 
Fear not, all thy sins which thou didst commit in thy ignorance 
are all covered, they shall never more be remembered, either 
by me or my Father. I pledge my innocent blood as an ear- 
nest ;— therefore, be of good cheer, what thou didst desire, thou 
hast already obtained: To-day shalt thou he with me in 
Paradise. 



214 OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 

Behold my reader, here you have, in the thief mentioned, a 
fair example of a sincere christian faith, with its properties, 
power and fruits. With this same thief many vain despisers 
comfort and flatter themselves in their sinful and impenitent 
lives, think and say to themselves : God is merciful ; he knows 
that we are the children of Adam, and cannot live as the scrip- 
tures require, still we hope by his grace to be saved as the thief 
was. And these poor creatures know not, that the thief, wiil 
be a sore condemnation to them ; because they hear the word 
of the Lord so often, and believe it not, nor are they obedient. 
Ah ! reader ! do not thus trifle and mock God ; I fear many will 
fail in their hopes in this matter. 

Again, I say, that all wilful despisers, who thus say and thus 
think, in their hearts, must be eternally convicted by this thief 
and shall stand confounded. For as soon as he heard the gos- 
pel of grace, he received it in a pure conscience, through faith, 
and became penitent, regenerated and pious. And these hear 
it from year to year, see daily so many fair fruits, and that it is 
so gloriously testified by possessions and blood; nevertheless, 
they remain unbelievers and are hardened in sin; for they reject 
the inviting grace, they resist the operating spirit, they contemn 
the preached word, they trample under loot the proffered gift. 
Say ! where is the scriptures, whereby we may comfort such 
unreasonable, shameful scorn ers or promise and proclaim to 
them the grace and peace of the Lord ? 

For J fear, they are the sterile, unfruitful earth, of which 
Paul speaks, which drinketh in the rain of the holy divine word, 
thatcometh oft upon it, and. nevertheless, bears only thorns and 
briers, are rejected and nigh unto cursing, who is to be burned. 
(Heb. 6.) They are those of whom wisdom complains and says : 
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity ? and ye 
scorners delight in your scorning and fools hate knowledge ? 
Because I have called, and ye refused ; I have stretched out my 
hand and no man regarded ; but ye have set at naught all my 
counsel, and would none of my reproof: I, also, will laugh at 
your calamity ; I will mock when fear coraeth and when distress 
and anguish come upon you, then ye shall call upon me, but I 
will not answer. (Pro v. 1.) But because they do not look for 
light, he will turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross 
darkness. (Jer. 13.) 

The thief believed as soon as he heard. ! that they would 
do so; and think upon what David said: To-day, if ye will hear 
his voice, harden not your hearts as in the day of provocation. 
(Ps. 94; Heb. 3.) 

The thief, I say, heard but once and believed, and these hear 
it so often ; still they believe not. He heard and was changed ; 



OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 215 

but these hear and continue the same — they harden their hearts 
the longer the more. 

The thief reproved his reviling companion, and admonished 
him, that he should fear God ; but these blaspheme and re- 
vile all the faithful who do so ; and love those who hate the 
truth. 

The thief unreservedly confessed his sins and wickedness, 
without fear ; but these, no matter howsoever avaricious, 
drunken, proud, unchaste, unclean, envious and idolatrous, 
they are, do not confess their transgressions and sins, and 
when they are called to repent and to reform, they say : Yea, 
what have we done? 

The thief acknowledged that Christ's kingdom was not 
earthly, for he said: when thou comest in thy kingdom; 
but these have all their pleasures in gold and silver, in eating 
and drinking, in splendor and wantonness, and in the perish- 
able, visible riches of the world ; do not regard the invisible, 
eternal riches, which Christ out of grace, has bestowed upon 
all his believers, and merited them by the shedding of his 
precious blood. 

The thief, confessed the poor, condemned, cruciBed Jesus 
before all the rulers, priests, Pharisees and before the people, 
and acknowledge him as his Saviour and Lord ; but these, alas ! 
deny his almighty Majesty, his heavenly origin and glory, and 
do not regard his wisdom, spirit, word, ordinances, command, 
sacraments and promises, although he has seated himself as a 
triumphant and conquering prince, at the right hand of the 
Father, and has received all might and power, both in heaven 
and upon earth, in eternal glory of the Father. (Heb. 1, 8, 10 ; 
Eph. 1 ; Matt. 28.) 

The thief sought mercy, favor and the forgiveness of his sins, 
of Christ ; and these seek it of their preachers, priests and 
monks, through masses, confessions, absolution, bread and wine, 
holy water and the like superstitions and abominations. 

The thief heard, because he believed on Christ, the pleasing 
w r ords : To-day thou shalt be with me in Paradise : but these 
must hear, because they believe not on Christ, the dreadful, 
intolerable and awful sentence: Depart from me ye cursed 
into everlasting fire. (Matt. 25.) For their faith was unlike, 
unlike will also be their reward. Let all mockers take this to 
heart. 

\ And thus, finally, (take notice) will this penitent sinner rise 
up against them (who have comforted themselves with him in 
their sins,) and criminate and condemn them before the face of 
his Majesty. For they having so often heard the sweet melody 
of the divine word, and never were grateful — nor ever learned 



216 OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 

nor believed it with open and renewed hearts ; but the thief, I 
say, heard it but once, and immediately believed. Ah ! dear 
children, beware and seek Christ while he maybe found and call 
on bim while he is yet near, lest his anger go forth, and the fire 
of his fierce wrath consume you. 

Think you, perverted seorners ! that you can receive or 
reject faith, repentance, sorrow for sin, and the grace of God, at 
pleasure? no! Holy Paul says: And even as they did not 
like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a 
reprobate mind. (Eom. 1.) All proud seorners shall be sen- 
tenced and condemned. Children bew T are. 

Notice this ] arable : There is a very rich potentate, emperor 
or king, whom I, through great ignorance, hated all my days ; 
he had compassion upon me, because I am such a poor man, he, 
through his faithful servants, tendered me not only his great 
favor and friendship, but also a sum of gold, many precious 
stones and gems, and all this out of love and compassion ; and 
I am so ungrateful, that I will not only not give meat and drink 
to the faithful servants of this kind prince, who loves me dearly, 
for these great favors,; but I turn them with ignominy and dis- 
grace, out of doors, throw them with mud and stones, put them 
into prison and bonds, deprive them of property and life, take 
the proffered gifts and cast them from me and trample them 
under foot, &c, and inform the prince : That I do not now de- 
sire his favors, but if he will, in the course of one or ten years 
offer them again, then 1 will perhaps, think upon it, and receive 
them and tender my thanks for the favors. Now, I will allow 
you all to judge me — whether it would be right that such a 
prince should again offer his favor, since I treated him and his 
servants so perfidiously ? But whether he shoul-d not much more 
turn his favor into displeasure, his love into wrath, toward me, 
for my presumptuous tyranny, haughty rejection of his favors, 
and severely punish me? I think, you would award me his 
punishment and not his grace. 

Thus it is with you, you seorners! The merciful Lord, ( 
whose kingdom and grace are immense, has graciously pitied us 
in these abominable, last days, and had compassion on our great 
blindness and deadly poverty, (although we hated his holy will 
from our infancy,) and through his faithful servants freely gave 
us his beloved Son with his holy word, spirit, merits, ordinances 
and example — tendered us his grace, peace and eternal life, to- 
gether with the remission of our sins — he dug about us and 
fostered us, barren trees, for three long years. (Luke 13.) He 
calls and teaches daily, through his chosen, who willingly sacri- 
fice possession and life as a testimony ; he puts at variance the 
father against the son, and the son against the father ; the 



OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 217 

mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the 
mother ; and the members of the family against one another ; 
one friend against another, &c. (Matt. 10.) Some he suffers to 
driven about in strange countries, in tribulation, in sorrow, in 
misery, in fear, in want and in vexation, in deserts and in moun- 
tains, and in dens and in caves of the earth. (Heb. 11.) He gives 
signs in the sun, and in the moon, and at the stars and upon the 
earth, earthquakes, war, pestilence, new diseases, famine, and 
unheard of wonders upon earth, (Luke 21,) that as a hen gathers 
her chickens, he would gather us under the wings of his love. 
(Matt. 24.) And as a faithful shepherd of his sheep, would 
bring us to the right fold of his grace, (Matt. 23; John 10;) 
bring us into the chamber of his covenant, and kiss us with the 
lips of his peace, wash us from all our uncleanness, and made 
us his bride, (Cant. 1,) redeem us from the dominion of hell and 
death, and lead us into the kiugdom of heaven, and of eternal 
life. In short, that he release us from the power of darkness 
and the devil, and receive us and make us holy as his chosen 
children and heirs. (Eph. 1 ; Col. 1.) 

But, alas, in relation to you, it is altogether vain ; for (as al- 
ready said) his proffered grace and word you contemn and reject, 
you persecute and kill his faithful servants and ministers ; you 
defame and blaspheme the unblamable, pious life, together with 
the confession of the saints ; you scoff at his great signs, won- 
ders and reproofs, and your faces are like those of the lecherous, 
and your hearts as diamonds ; you are neither ashamed, nor will 
you be converted ; you say with perverted scorners : Depart 
from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the 
Almighty, that we should serve him ? and what profit should we 
have, if we pray to him ? (Jer. 2 ; Zach. 7 ; Job 21.) 

Since, then, you are so ungrateful, and prove yourselves to 
be altogether vain and insulting against God, who manifested 
so great mercy towards us, that you wholly reject his paternal 
admonitions, reprovings, doctrine and commands. Obedience 
to his holy word, the innocent blood of his saints, with all his 
great powers and miracles, you esteem as idle deception and 
heresy ; you regard not the time of grace; Christ Jesus, with 
his holy spirit, gospel, new birth, faith, sacrament, death and 
blood, with all his other spiritual riches and heavenly gifts, and 
you trample them so unworthily under foot, and the almighty, 
immortal, one and eternal God ; you neither fear nor seek, love, 
honor, praise nor serve him ; still you hope to be saved with 
the thief. 

So I do warn you in true love, while it is yet time. Your 
hope will fail you, for when you think to find him, he will then 
hide himself from you ; he will turn his fierce countenance 

19 



218 OF THE FAITH OF THE THIEF AND MURDERER. 

upon you, as the scriptures say : Then shall they call upon me, 
but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early, but they shall 
not find me. (Prov. 1.) 

I therefore entreat and exhort my readers in general : Hear 
while you have ears, and see while you have eyes ; understand 
while you have hearts ; awaken and watch while you have time 
and space, lest your ears, eyes and hearts, and opportunities be 
taken from you, and you become deaf, blind, impenitent, harden- 
ed and perverted. 

Friends, beware ! now it is to-day, yesterday is past, and 
to-morrow is not promised us. Short is the time ; behold, the 
judge is at the door, therefore delay not, to turn to the Lord, 
and defer it not from one day to another. (1 Oor. 7 ; James 5.) 
For his wrath will soon overtake you. (Sirach 8.) Late re- 
pentance, says Augustine, is seldom true ; but if true, it never 
is too late. Kepent while you enjoy health, says he, that you 
may be certain. 

Therefore, do as did the thief or murderer, for, as soon as he 
heard, he believed. Do you also thus hear, and thus believe, 
for the eyes of the Lord are upon the faithful. (Jer. 5.) Those 
who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness, shall be 
filled; those who seek, shall find; those who desire, shall re- 
ceive ; those who knock, to them it shall be opened. (Matt. 5.) 
But if you refuse, when he seeks you, to give you his grace, he 
will, thin, also refuse when you seek him, and would fain obtain 
his grace. Whosoever despises me, says the Lord, him will I 
again despise. (1 Sam. 2.) 

Therefore, I say, seek while it is day, that thou may find ; ask, 
that you may receive : hear, that you may believe ; believe, 
that you may do ; and do, that you may live ; for, from hearing, 
faith comes ; out of faith, doctrine ; on obedience, the fulfilment 
of the promise depends. (Rom. 10 ; Gal. 5 ; Matt. 7 ; John 15 ; 
James 2 ; 1 Oor. 7.) 

For this reason all things are imputed to faith in the scrip- 
tures ; such as true repentance, the new birth, sanctification of 
the heart; the righteousness which avails before God; the 
blessing. (John 1; Acts 2, 15; Rom. 3, 5, 10; Gal. 3; Mark 
16 ; John 3.) For faith is the source and cause of all good, as 
is fully related. 

Seeing, then, that this is the true ground of the scriptures, as 
we have briefly explained, you will then have to confess that 
all wilful scorners are put to shame in their doings, by the 
thief, and that he will be their accuser in the day of the Lord, 
as the Lord says of the Ninevites, and of the Queen of the 
South. (Matt. 12; Luke 11.) 

But all who hear and believe the word of Christ, and are 



OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 219 

turned by the power of faith with all their hearts to Christ, ac- 
knowledge Christ openly, by an unblamable life, before all the 
world, confidently seek his grace and mercy, &c, to them he is 
a glorious comforter, a precious balm and liniment in their 
troubled and wounded consciences, by which they may see and 
know God's unbounded favor, mercy and love towards all truly 
penitent sinners, if they have sinned ever so long and heinously, 
that they by faith may satisfy their souls with him, and not doubt 
the grace of God on account of their sinful lives in which they 
ever walked ; for the Lord did not withhold his grace, nor did he 
say : No, thief, your sins are too great and numerous, and you 
also sinned too long. But as soon as he saw his new heart, and 
heard him confessing, he bestowed his grace upon the poor, dis- 
tressed sinner, and forgave him all his sins, and said : To-day 
thou shalt be with me in Paradise ; for he that believeth on me 
has eternal life. (John 3, 6, 7, 11.) The propet also says: If 
the righteous turn from his unrighteousness and does righteous- 
ness, I will not remember his unrighteousness which he did. 



OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL 
WOMAN. 

Luke says : That there was a Pharisee, who invited Christ to 
eat with him, and he went into his house, and sat down to meat ; 
behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, brought an 
alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet, behind him, 
weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe 
them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anoint- 
ed them with the ointment. (Luke 7.) 

Here we again learn to know, in the case of this sinner, what 
kind of a heart and disposition, fruit and life, a sincere, true 
Christian faith produces. She was possessed of seven devils, (if 
she was the woman called Mary Magdalene, whom the evangel- 
ists mention), for she is called a sinner in the scriptures, (Matt. 
26; Mark 14; Luke 8, 10,) so long as the Lord had not called her 
out of darkness into light, from lies unto truth. (John 12.) But 
as soon as she heard his word, she with eagerness received in 
a sincere and renewed heart, by which she (who was a great 
sinner) became a penitent and pious woman. Her unrighteous, 
sensual heart was so warmed and touched, that her eyes stream- 
ed with tears, that she wet the Lord's feet therewith. Her hair 
she used as a towel to wipe his feet ; her avarice was quelled ; 
she anointed his head and feet with precious ointment, which 
might have been sold for three hundred pence ; her proud heart 



220 OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 

was humbled ; she did not seek the highest seat at the table, 
but she sat mournfully at the feet of the Lord, and heard his 
blessed word. 

When the Pharisee saw this, he murmured ; Christ said to 
him : Simon, seest thou this woman ? I entered into thy house, 
thou givest me no water for my feet ; but she hath washed my 
feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 
Thou gavest me no kiss, but this woman, since I came in, hath 
not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not 
anoint; but this woman has anointed my feet with ointment. 
Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are for- 
given ; for she loved much : but he to whom little is forgiven 
loveth little. And he said unto the woman : Thy sins are for- 
given ; thy faith hath saved thee ; go in peace. (Luke 7.) 

Behold reader, take notice ; all the haughty, proud, avaricious, 
and sensual, who boast themselves christians and are not (for 
they show by their whole conduct that they hate Christ) are in 
their actions, reproved and made ashamed by this sinner. For 
when she believed her proud and haughty heart was humbled, 
made contrite, and was changed. And they say, they believe, 
although they practice all manner of wantonness — in their ac- 
cursed pride and gorgeous trappings, and soft, flippant dresses 
and tinsel gewgaws, they strut about, without bounds or reason ; 
not regarding what the enlightened apostles, Paul and Peter, 
say, who forbade christian women to dress with outward adorn- 
ings ; how much less should men dress so foolishly, who are 
examples to, and the head of women — nevertheless, they want 
still to be called the community of Christ. 

Every one makes an ostentatious display; yea, sometimes 
goes beyond his ability to pay. One is desirous to excel another 
in foppery, or at least to equal him. And does not reflect that 
it is written : Love not the world, neither the things that are 
in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father 
is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, 
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the 
Father, but is of the world ; and the world passeth away, and 
the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for 
ever. (1 John 2.) 

Again, I say, this sinful woman believed, and from that 
moment she was freed from disgraceful sins. For the unclean 
devil was cast out, as it is heard. But what abominable, dis- 
graceful, unchastity, adultery and fornication obtain among 
many men and women, (who boast that they believe) in many 
cities and countries, is best known to him before whose eyes all 
things are open ; and, alas, not wholly concealed before men. 
For it is manifest that the world is full of lasciviousness, adul- 
terers, and fornicators, sodomites and buggerers, bastards and 



OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN". 221 

illegitimate children. And, alas, it has come so far, that they 
live at peace and liberty, and not thinking, that God commanded 
through Moses, that both the adulterer and adulteress should 
be stoned to death, (Lev. 20 ; Deut. 22,) that there should be 
neither whores nor whoremongers in Israel, and the illegitimate 
children even to the tenth generation were not to be admitted 
into the congregation of the Lord. (Lev. 23.) And further : 
It was the express command and law that if any one in Israel 
had sexual intercourse with a virgin, who was not betrothed or 
engaged, he had to marry her, if her father consented, and was 
not to put her away all his days, because he humbled her. 
(Exod. 22; Lev. 22.) 

Ah ! reader, reflect upon these things, what the last command 
contains. They all boast, however lascivious, that they are 
spiritual Israelites, that they have the truth, and are baptized 
in the name of Christ, still they are not ashamed to make their 
weak sisters, who are in connexion with them, and are of one 
faith, one baptism, of one supper and attend the same religious 
services, to be poor, helpless and disgraceful strumpets, con- 
trary to all scripture and christian love, and although God's 
word commanded, if they have lain with them, that they should 
marry them and never forsake them. If they would think more 
profoundly upon these things, many of the females would not 
be disgraced, whereas so many a child has been unmercifully 
disgraced, and so many young girls have been defloured, and 
deprived of their virgin honor. 

I write you the truth in Christ, if you are, or would be a 
christian, and have seduced but one poor child with your subtle 
attempts and pretences, (and if you would not lose your soul) 
you will have to marry her and not forsake her, nor cast her 
from you ; for you have humbled her, as heard. Behold, this is the 
Lord's own word and law. All, therefore, who knowingly despise 
this law of God, and reject the disgraced and marry another, will 
have to confess before God that the^rs^ one is his wife, and not 
the last one. 0, you violators of female chastity, reflect upon 
these things and learn wisdom. 

Would you say that this command has reference only to Israel 
and not to the christian, I would then ask you in the first place : 
Whether you consider yourself to be a christian or not ? If 
you say no, do then all you can, and look for the judgment 
threatened to all out of Christ. But if you say yes, then the 
matter is already decided, that she must be your wife. For a 
christian must not live with a sister, in such a manner as to 
make her a prostitute. no ! the scriptures teach, that chris- 
tians are members of Christ, and not whores and profligates. I 
hope this blunt language will be understood. 

19* 



222 OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 

In the second place : which of the two people should be the 
more holy and virtuous, the literal or the spiritual ? Do you 
say the literal, then you have exalted Moses with his people and 
service, above Christ, which thing is evidently opposed to all 
scripture. (Matt. 5 ; 2 Cor. 3; Heb. 3, 8, 10.) But if you say 
the spiritual, then the matter is again decided, that she must be 
your wife ; then the literal must not make his sister to be a 
prostitute, much less the spiritual, which is the Lord's own 
body, brother, sister, generation and bride. 

In the third place, I ask, whether the command : Thou shalt 
love thy neighbor as thyself, is not given to the christians as 
well as to Israel ? If you say no you have denied the whole 
New Testament, which teaches and earnestly insists upon the 
love of our neighbor. But if you say yes, then I say for the 
third time, that she must be your wife. Because you did, con- 
trary to this command, so abominably disgrace and humble her, 
therefore, do the scriptures teach that you are to restore her to 
honor, and that you shall take her to be your wife. Let every 
one see to it, the commands of love will ever remain. Blessed 
are they who take heed to them and observe them in fear. 

In the fourth place : I ask, whether there is a single one, 
who with impunity can transgress and break God's command? 
If you say yes, then you deny the sciptures, which teach, that 
we shall walk in the ways of the Lord and keep his command- 
ments. But if you say no, then I tell you the fourth time, that 
she is, and must be your wife ; for it is the command of God, 
firmly based upon love : That if you have lain with a virgin, 
that you marry her and never forsake her, as heard. 

Behold, my reader, here you are more than plainly taught 
what the word of the Lord teaches in regard to this matter. 
And if you continue so ungodly as to transgress the command 
of the Lord by disgracing one, and marrying another, you may 
read the consequences in Bom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; 
Rev. 21, 22 ; unless you sincerely repent. 

This I by no means, write to encourage him to leave his wife 
he married and take to wife the virgin he humbled before, for I 
have no doubts, the gracious Father will in mercy overlook the 
errors of those, who had erroneous views of the subject, and 
henceforth fear the Lord and do right, but I write this, that 
every one should guard himself against such disgrace, more 
profoundly to reflect upon the command of the Lord and of 
love, and observe how Christ is so wholly neglected of the world ; 
for, alas, they generally, are influenced by their accursed lusts, 
whether they are lords, princes, priests, monks, noble or ignoble, 
citizens and peasants, (with few exceptions) — they are so much 
inflamed, that they follow this unbecoming, devilish disgrace of 



OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 223 

accursed lechery, like the dog pursues the hare. They are, says 
Jeremiah, (Jer. 5) as fed horses in the morning: everyone 
neighs after his neighbor's wife ; and there is nothing that can 
deter or prevent them from this accursed abomination, neither 
natural honor, nor Moses, with all his threatenings, neither the 
prophets, nor Christ, nor the apostles, neither heaven nor the 
angels ; yea, neither hell nor devil ; neither life nor death ; if 
they can only satisfy their unchaste, disgraceful lust, then all is 
well with them. 

They are wholly bent upon this ; some they seduce with fair 
words, others by promising gifts, some by giving them wine to 
drink ; by dancing, and songs of levity, some by courteous 
flattery, by amorous tenderness, and the like artifice ; yea some 
deceive by their affected sighings and weepings, so that they 
can only accomplish their designs, and gratify their lusts, then 
all is right, and they rejoice. But they do thereby incense 
almighty God, transgress his holy word, disgrace their neigh- 
bor, do violence to the law of love, defile the marriage bed, 
deflour virgins, have illegitimate children and destroy their 
souls eternally; about all this they care nothing. They say, 
this is our portion and our lot and nothing else. (Wis. 2.) 

I, therefore, say with Moses: u Cursed be they of God, who do 
works of iniquity; and all the people shall say, Amen, (Deut. 
27,) And with Job : That hell will consume them, as drought 
and heat consume the snow-waters ; (Job 2^) — with Paul : That 
God will judge them; (Heb. 13) — and with John: Their part is 
in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the 
second death. (Rev. 21.) Ah! that these poor people would 
take heed, awaken and believe the words of the Lord, and 
observe it. 

In the second place, I write this ; that every one might 
awaken, sincerely repent, and weep over his past disgraceful 
conduct before God, lest he cast him off eternally ; but be gra- 
cious to him for the sake of the blood of his Son ; and no more 
defile the bed of his neighbor, nor deflour virgins, but live in all 
honesty, each with his own wife. And that the unmarried keep 
free from lechery, and if he cannot restrain himself, let him seek 
a pious wife in the fear of God ; and he that has transgressed, 
and has not taken another, that he honor the disgraced one, and 
according to christian love and word of God, extricate her from 
her degraded state. And thus teaching their children, and chil- 
dren's children, from generation to generation, even as Tobias 
did his Son, saying : Beware of all whoredom, my son, and take 
not a strange women, but keep to your own wife. (Tob. 4.) 

Know ye not, says Paul, that your bodies are the members 
of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make 



224 OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 

them the members of an harlot? God forbid. (1 Cor. 6.) Again, 
he says : For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, 
that you should abstain from fornication; that everyone of you 
should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification 
and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the gen- 
tiles which know not God — For God has not called us unto 
uncleanness, but unto holiness. (1 Thes. 4.) Yes, good reader, 
true believers have to lead an honorable and chaste life ; that 
not as much as adultery, lechery, and an unchastity be privately 
or openly mentioned among them ; if any one among them, only 
mention it, it is an abomination for thus it becomes the saints, 
to live. (Eph. 4.) 

We find many wicked men who shamefully seduce poor 
simple hearts ; so on the other hand we find impudent women 
and girls, who are often the first cause that such disgrace is put 
on them. And though many are not guilty of the deed, never- 
theless they are not guiltless, that they make so free with other 
men and associates in open triflings, singing, dancing, drinking 
healths, kissing, courting, in splendor and gorgeousness, and the 
like vanity and abominations, whereby they kindled the fires 
of base passions, which continue till consumed, as may be seen. 

How properly Sirach admonishes us, when he says : Meet 
not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares : use not much 
the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken 
with her attempts : gaze not upon a maid, that thou fall not by 
those things that are precious in her : give not thy soul unto 
harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance ; look not round 
about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the 
solitary places thereof: turn away thine eye from a beautiful 
woman, and look not upon another's beauty ; for many have 
been deceived by the beauty of a woman ; for herewith love is 
kindled as a fire : set not at all with another man's wife, nor set 
down with her in thy arms, and spend not thy money with her 
at the wine ; lest thy heart incline unto her, and so through thy 
desire, thou fall into destruction. (Sir. 9.) 

Were it now so, that the aforementioned married and un- 
married women were true believers, even as was the sinful 
woman, 'they would then also fear the Lord, they would aban- 
don all vanity and ungodly actions, and lay snares for none, nor 
give any occasion to evil ; yea, would walk honorably and 
modestly, and avoid all manner of pride and superfluity, and 
make, or desire no other clothes than those necessary and 
convenient; for they would not frequent the idolatrous temple 
and idle banquets, where generally such pomp and superfluity 
are displayed. 

The sinful woman (when converted) adorned herself inwardly, 



OP THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 225 

and not outwardly, for she believed ; but these dress their 
bodies, and not their souls, for they believe not. 

The sinful woman sighed and wept, was afraid of the wrath 
and judgment of the Lord, for she saw that she had done wrong 
and sinned ; but these laugh and sing, dance and prance about, 
and do not see their enormous mis-deeds, and great sins, and 
therefore, they do not fear the Lord's wrath and judgment. 

The sinful woman was compassionate and merciful, anointed 
the head and the feet of the Lord, and found the true service ; 
but these are unmerciful and shameless, and know of no other 
service, than to go the chapel to receive holy water, to offer 
lights and tapers to blind blocks and images, to hear masses 
aud vespers, to call upon the departed saints for help, to confess 
once or twice a year to their idolatrous, drunken, lascivious 
priests, to receive their bread of abomination and absolution, 
and the like superstitions and delusions. 

The sinful woman sought the company of the righteous ; but 
these seek the company of the unrighteous, do all manner of 
folly, defame their neighbors, backbite and slander, speak dis- 
gracefully of one another, speak of costly furniture, houses, 
goods and handsome companions, customs and fashions. In 
short, their works openly show that they have not the faith 
of the sinful woman, and belong not to the community of the 
righteous. 

The sinful woman sat at the feet of Jesus and heard his holy 
word ; but these hear teachers, who can tickle their ears, and 
preach to please them. In short, why need I say much ; it is, 
O God ! so corrupted, that we find the whole world filled with 
folly. I mean spiritual folly, deaf ears, unreasonable hearts, the 
blind are leading .the blind, they will all fall into the abyss of 
death (unless they receive their sight again ;) if we believe it to 
be true what the mouth of the Lord teaches, for their doctrine 
is altogether false, as well as their sacraments, and worship un- 
belief, and sensuality prevail every where. 

Behold, reader, here take notice, how vastly this sinful woman, 
after conversion, in her faith and conducts, differs from the faith 
and conduct of the world. They are like the sinful woman before 
her conversion, and not after conversion. Whether such are 
believers, I will let the sensible reader reflect upon with the 
spirit and word of the Lord. 

I certainly know that a proud, haughty man is no christian, 
that an avaricious, selfish man is no christian — an unchaste, 
lecherous man is no christian — a wrankling and envious man is 
no christian — a disobedient, idolatrous man is no christian — a 
false, lying man is no christian — an unfaithful, thievish man is 
no christian — a defaming and backbiting man is no christian, 



226 OF THE FAITH OF THE SINFUL WOMAN. 

neither are the blood-thirsty, the unmerciful and revengeful men 
christians — though they were baptized one hundred times, and 
attend the Lord's supper daily ; for it is not the sacraments, or 
the signs, such as baptism and the Lord's supper, but a sincere, 
christian faith, with its unblamable, pious fruits, represented by 
the sacraments, that has the promise of life. (Matt. 28 ; Mark 
16 ; John 1, 3, 6, 7,) and in other passages. 

Here, neither masses, nor holy water, neither holy days, nor 
rosaries, neither auricular confession nor absolution, avail. Here 
only a believing, contrite and broken heart, spirit and mind, a 
penitent, a changed, a new heart, a pious life dead to sin, avail 
— This was the confession and repentence of the sinful woman, 
and she also heard immediately : Thy sins are forgiven, thy 
faith hath made thee whole, go in peace. 

But the abominable auricular confession which is so highly 
esteemed by the world, is nothing but hypocrisy, human 
righteousness and superstition, open delusion of unbelievers, a 
false hope of the sinner, and a subtle invention of gain by the 
priests, whereby they set aside true confession and repentance 
and comfort and encourage the world in their rude, ungodly 
life. 

But if you would rightly confess and repent, to receive true 
absolution of God, then approach him with a believing, penitent 
and changed heart, with a sorrowing, broken distressed mind, 
leave off sinning, do justice to your neighbor, love, aid, serve, 
reprove and comfort him, and if you have sinned against him, 
or overreached him, acknowledge it to him and reconcile him. 
Behold, this is the only true confession and penance, which is 
taught in the word of God. The Lord grant that you may 
rightly understand, and perform this confession and repentance. 

I, therefore, entreat and desire all women, through the mercy 
of the Lord, to take this grieved, sinful woman as a pattern and 
follow her faith, humble yourselves before the Lord, and reprove 
your avarice, pride, obscenity and all manner of evil. Let all 
your thoughts be pure, and let your words be circumspect and 
seasoned. And whatsoever you do, do it in the name and fear 
of the Lord Jesus, and do not adorn yourselves with gold, 
silver, pearls, broidered hair or costly array, but dress yourselves 
in such apparel, which becomes women professing godliness, 
and which is serviceable. Be obedient to your husbands in all 
reasonable things, so that those who do not believe may be 
gained by your good conversation without the word, Peter says, 
(Col. 3, 4 ; 1 Tim 2 ; 1 Pet. 3 ; Eph 5.) 

Remain within your houses and gates, except you have some- 
thing of importance to do, such as attending to your temporal 
concerns — to administer to the needy — to hear the word of the 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 227 

Lord, or to attend upon his holy sacraments, &c. Attend faith- 
fully to your charge, to your children, house and domestics, and 
walk in all things like the sinful woman did after her conversion ; 
that you may be true daughters of Sarah, believing women, 
sisters of Christ, and joint heirs of a future life; (I Pet. 3;) 
you shall hear the gracious words : Your sins are forgiven, 
your faith hath made you whole, go in peace. 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF 
CANAAN. 

Matthew informs us that Jesus went out of the land of Genesa- 
reth, and came into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon : and behold, a 
woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto 
him, saying: Have mercy on me, Lord, thou son of David; 
my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered 
her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, 
saying : Send her, away, for she crieth after us. But he answered 
and said : I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house 
of Israel. But she came and worshipped him, saying: Lord do 
help me. But he answered and said : It is not meet to take the 
children's bread and cast it to the dogs. And she said : Truth, 
Lord ; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their mas- 
ter's table. (Matt. 15 ; Mark 7 ; Luke 11.) Then Jesus answered 
and said to her: woman, great is thy faith; be it to thee 
even as thou wilt. And her daughter was whole from that very 
hour. 

Here you again have a fine example and pattern of a sincere 
christian faith ; for when this woman perceived how powerfully 
Jesus preached grace, and hearing, besides, that he could do 
what he desired, showed love and mercy, and that he sent none 
away comfortless, she unhesitatingly approached him, not doubt- 
ing his grace, mercy, love and power, though she was not heard 
on the first and second request. She was importunate both in 
her faith and prayer, with such a desire that she might but eat 
of the spiritual crumbs of his mercy, and obtain relief for her 
daughter. Yea, she manifested such a faith, constancy and 
piety, that the Lord said to her:' woman, great is thy faith; 
be it unto thee even as thou ivilt. 

Faithful reader, observe ; were we with spiritual eyes rightly 
to look upon this woman's faith and fruits, we would be aptly 
taught of her, especially in two particulars. 

For, I say, as soon as she heard that the Lord taught pure 
mercy and grace, repentance and reformation, preached the 



228 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

kingdom of God, raised the dead, made the blind see, the deaf 
hear, the cripples walk, the leprous clean, healed the sick, and 
cast out unclean spirits ; that he reproved the Scribes, Phari- 
sees and the common people, for their unbelief, perverseness, 
blind hypocrisy and sensual life ; and testified that he was the 
prophet and Messiah, promised in the law and the prophets, 
whereby his fame spread abroad through all Judea and the ad- 
jacent countries, — hearing all this, the woman's heart was encour- 
aged to go to him, not at all doubting his mercy, power, goodness 
and grace, she drew nigh to him, through assured faith, and in 
fall confidence entreated him humbly not to deny to her her re- 
quest, but that he would graciously grant it ; and she obtained 
what she desired. 

She heard and believed ; she saw and confessed. But these 
insane people imagine that they are christians, but are, accor- 
ding to my understanding, greater disbelievers, blinder, more 
hardened and worse than Turks, Tartars, or any of the heathens. 
Their works testify that I write the truth. And they cannot, 
by any means, be moved to hear, or be obedient to truth, neither 
by doctrine nor exhortation, neither by the unblamable lives 
nor the innocent blood of saints, which is daily shed, as we men- 
tioned, when treating of the faith of the thief. 

The above mentioned doctrine of the holy divine word, we 
have had in Germany for some years, and have it yet daily 
more abundantly, in such power and clearness, that they may 
plainly see it is the finger and work of the Lord. For the 
haughty are humbled, the avaricious are made kind, the drunk- 
ards become sober, the unchaste made pure, &c. and are not 
allowed to indulge in a single thought, word or act contrary to- 
the will, word and spirit of the Lord, and they receive it with 
such an affection, that they do not fear to forsake father and 
mother, man, woman, children, possessions, nay willingly suffer 
death on account of it. For many of them are burnt, many 
are drowned, many are apprehended, — are exiled, their property 
confiscated ; nevertheless they are indifferent, If it is but re- 
ported, he was an anabaptist, that is sufficient, and the enquiry 
is never made, what his conduct and life were, whether he injured 
any one, or not. Neither do they reflect, that it is a special 
power and work which restrains one wholly from drunkenness, 
lasciviousness, pomp and pride, full of all vanity, abominable 
lying, sensual life and from all idolatry ; and constrains one to 
all sobriety, chastity, meekness, piety, truth, and the true wor- 
ship, on account of which, we have to hear all manner of dis- 
grace, beyond measure, and to endure persecution and misery, 
and so often have to endure the loss of life, as you may see. 

If a thief is led to the gallows or a murderer is broken upon 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 229 

the wheel, or if a malefactor is severely punished every one en- 
quires what he has done. And he is not sentenced by the judges 
as long as they do not understand fully the ground and truth 
of his evil deed. But if an innocent christian, (whom the gra- 
cious Lord rescued from the ways of sin, and placed in the way 
of his peace,) is accused by the priests and preachers, and 
placed before the judges they deem him unworthy of an impartial 
examination, in relation to what reasons or writings move him 
that he will not hear his priests and preachers, nor have his 
children baptized, nor attend their service, nor longer eat and 
drink with them, and serve the devil. Nor do they desire to 
know why he reformed his life and received the baptism of 
Christ, or what urges him that he willingly suffers or even would 
die for his faith. They only ask : Is he baptized ? If he answers 
in affirmative, the sentence is fixed, that he must die. 

And all, who see or hear such miracles of almighty God that 
such poor, unlearned men, (yea, sometimes, poor, feeble women,) 
are so fortified in God that they fear neither judge nor execu- 
tioner; that neither fire nor water, neither halter nor sword, 
neither life nor death can deter them from their faith. These 
persecutors do not enquire what they did, whether they are 
traitors of their country or city, whether they have stolen the 
property of others, or disgraced some one's daughter or wife. 
Or whether they did any thing not in accordance with the word 
of God and with common honesty and natural probity. no ! 
So much discretion and love we find not ; if they only have the 
word of the Lord, and believe the commands and ordinances 
thereof, and are obedient thereto, and desirous to regulate their 
poor, weak life by truth ; they must be adjudged as seditious and 
heretical, and that they are guilty of severe punishment and of 
death. Behold, thus has the murdering, blood-thirsty devil de- 
ceived the whole world, through his priests and preachers ; yea, 
that, I fear, scarcely one is to be found among a hundred thousand, 
who will lay to heart such a strong faith, obedience, frankness, 
power great suffering and ignominious death, so that he would 
once reflect upon his abominable unbelief, disgraceful wicked- 
ness and presumptuous carnal life, or call in question the doctrine 
of his teachers, sacraments, their lives and worship. How truly 
did the prophet say; The righteous perisheth and no manlayeth 
it to heart. (Isa. 57. ) There cannot be found beneath the wide 
canopy of heaven, more hardened unbelief, more perverse, 
scornful, obdurate wickedness, more accursed madness, more 
execrated ungodliness, or a worse state of things than that which 
is related. 

If there is a report of war the whole land is in dismay, great 
and small, citizens and peasants, defensive arms are provided ; 

20 



230 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

they watch and make ready for defence as much as possible. 
Or if they hear of famine or pestilence, then all fear and tremble, 
who have come to years of understanding. And, if on the con- 
trary, there is a time of tranquillity and peace, of prosperity and 
weal, then all who hear it, rejoice. But now, the Lord Jesus 
Christ's trumpets are blowing, and the drums are beating, warn- 
ing us to tender love, through all his apostles and prophets, to 
flee satan's crafty wiles and subtle assaults, and that all who 
follow and are obedient to him, must die. However, but few 
there are who put on the armor of God, are guarding against 
satan's secret encroachment, and preparing to resist him. They 
all run voluntarily into his hands, both men and women, and 
eagerly to do the things which delight him. And those who do 
not, have to await great tribulation and much misery. (Eph. 
6 ; Thess. 5.) 

Besides, it is manifest that the abominable pestilence of false 
doctrine will destroy the whole world, and the bread of life, 
which is provided for all the spiritual hungry, is very scarce, in 
consequence of the envious callings and serpentine preachers. 
And, alas, there are few who weep and sigh for the bread of 
life. 

The eternal grace, mercy, favour, glory, kingdom and joy of 
Christ are offered to us. But our ears have waxed dull, our 
hearts become hardened, and our perverted wickedness desire 
them not. But this pious woman did not so, but she heard 
and believed, saw his miracles and confessed his power ; and 
therefore, prayed with confidence and obtained what she de- 
sired, for she believed Christ with all her heart and doubted 
not his grace. 

In the second place, she admonishes all pious parents, that 
they should be solicitous for the salvation of their children, 
because she so faithfully entreated for her demoniac daughter, 
not desisting till she was heard. For it cannot be otherwise, that 
if I am a true christian, all my work before God and my neigh- 
bor, are works of love, for God (by whose word a christian is 
born) says John, is love. And that the Father and those who 
are born of him, are alike, of one mind and heart, is as clear as 
day-light. 

If I seek the Lord's praise with all my heart, and desire the 
salvation of my neighbors, many of whom I have never seen ; 
how much more should I desire the salvation of my children, 
whom God gave me, who are out of my loins, and are naturally 
my flesh and bone? So that the mighty Lord may be praised 
and be eternally honored by them. 

What I write, I consider unquestionably true — I write it from 
a true witness of my own conscience, as before almighty God, 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 231 

before whom I am, that all true believing parents are thus 
minded towards their children, that they would far sooner see 
them set in a dungeon for the sake of the word of the Lord and 
his testimony, than be with the deceiving priests, in their idola- 
trous churches, or with drunken erroneous interpreters in taverns, 
or in company with scorners, who despise the name of the Lord, 
and hate his holy word. 

Sooner far would they see them bound hands and feet, and 
dragged about for the sake of the Lord, before lords and princes, 
than be married to rich persons, who fear not God and walk not 
in the ways of the Lord, but pass away time in splendor, with 
music, in excessive drinking, dancing and singing, sooner far 
would they see them scourged from the head to the feet, for the 
sake of the Lord's glory and holy name, than see them adorn 
themselves with silks and velvets, with gold and silver, and with 
costly attire, and the like vanity, pomp and pride. Yea, far 
sooner would they see them exiled, burnt at the stake, drowned 
in the water, or placed on the wheel, for righteousness' sake, 
than see them live out of God, in all earthly and sensual lusts, 
be emperor and kings, and then be damned. 

Wo to those, yea, wo to those, who are not solicitous for their 
children's salvation. Is it reasonable that we love their bodies, 
and connive at their sins, and not reprove the transgressions of 
the young with the rod, and of the aged with words, not teach 
them the way of the Lord, and not set them an unblamable ex- 
ample, direct them by day and by night to Christ, his word, 
ordinances, commands and example, and not seek their salvation 
with all the soul, if not, we will not escape unpunished. For 
their souls and blood, are required at our hands and their dam- 
nation and death will be laid to our charge as dumb and blind 
watchmen, in the day of the Lord. 

Christianity plainly teaches us that all christian parents should 
be a salt, a shining light, and as unblamable, faithful teachers in 
their houses. The high priest Eli was punished because he did 
not zealously reprove his children. (I Sam. 2, 5.) 

If I see my neighbor's ox or ass go astray, I must bring him 
to the owner, or keep him safe, as Moses teaches. (Deut. 22.) 
If it becomes me thus to do with another's animal, how much 
more solicitous should I be for the souls of my children, who ar-e 
so readily misled by the youthful flesh, in which no good dwells. 

If I see my neighbor's ox or ass, fallen in a pit, or meet him 
on the way lying under the weight of a burden, I must not leave 
him* till he is extricated, (Exod. 23 ; Deut. 22,) how much more 
should I be solicitous for my children, whom I have before me, 
that they lie not under the burden of their sins ; and if they are 
not earnestly reproved and instructed in grace, they will fall into 
the infernal abyss of the second death. 



232 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

Again, if I see my neighbor's house on fire, and goods perish- 
ing, it is reasonable that I exert myself to put out the fire, and 
if possible, to save the goods ; but it is much more reasonable, 
that I extinguish the fire of base desires in my child, with the 
water of the divine word, and preserve, as much as is in my 
power, the heavenly goods. 

The holy scriptures teach, that God purifies the heart by faith, 
— that faith comes by hearing ; and by faith we are justified. 
(Acts 1, 5 ; Rom. 3, 5, 10.) Therefore, let every one take heed, 
if he does love his children indeed, that he teach and instruct 
them in the way of the Lord, that they may fear, honor, and 
serve him, so that the depravity of sin may not rule in them, lest 
eternal disgrace ruin them. 

Moses taught Israel saying : And these words, which I com- 
mand thee this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt bind 
them for a sign unto thy hand, and they shall be as frontlets be- 
tween thy eyes, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy 
children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, 
when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when 
thou risest up, and thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy 
house and on thy gates ; that ye may prolong your days in the 
land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give unto them 
and their seed. (Deut. 6, 11.) 

In another place he says : And if thy children ask thee in time 
to come, saying, what is this ? that thou shalt say unto them : 
By strength of hand, the Lord brought us out from Egypt ; from 
the house of bondage. (Exod. 12, 13.) 

Joshua commanded Israel, according to the word of the Lord, 
and said unto the twelve men : Pass over before the ark of the 
Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every 
man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the num- 
bers of the tribes of the children of Israel : that this may be a 
sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in 
time to come, saying : What mean ye by these stones ? Then, 
ye shall answer them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off 
before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, when Israel passed 
over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off, and these stones 
shall be a memorial unto the children of Israel forever. (Jos. 4.) 
■ Behold, dear reader, thus the Israelites were obliged to teach 
their children from their youth, and to acquaint them with all 
the mercies and miracles of the Lord, which they and their 
fathers experienced, so that they might fear, love and serve the 
Lord all their days, and thus receive blessings, and esc'ape 
cursings which were connected with the law. (Lev. 26 ; Deut. 
28.) 

In like manner, if we rightly confess Christ, we believe his 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 233 

word, and we and our children desire to obtain the happy fields 
and pleasant land, and eternally to inherit the grace which he 
promised his children ; therefore, let us not neglect it, but lay it 
well to heart, that we teach our children rightly in the word, and 
instruct them in relation to his righteous judgments, so that they 
will learn to fear the Lord with all their heart, and turn from 
evil. 

And also, rightly to set forth his unbounded mercy, love and 
service of his grace, so that they may love him and walk in his 
statutes — have correct views and just conceptions of Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Saviour, with his spirit, word and life, so 
that they may rightly know him and walk in his footsteps. Thus 
set them an example in all wisdom, righteousness and truth — 
with a pious and virtuous life, so that they may be instructed 
thereby, and be taught and trained for the kingdom of heaven, 
and for every good work. 

For all who have such a faith as this woman had, and see that 
the end of sin is death, will not cease to sigh and lament to God, 
that he would in mercy assist their children to resist the evil 
spirit, lest he ruin their poor souls and lead them captive at his 
will. 

But that they may, in their youth, rightly learn how to know 
the immortal, eternal God the Father, through Jesus Christ his 
Son, and in truth submit to his cross. And recount all the 
mighty works and wonders of the Lord our God, the great 
mercy, grace, favor and love of the almighty Father, his blessed 
word, will, ordinance and life, with all the merits, power and 
fruit of the death and blood of Christ his Son; also the muni- 
ficence, wisdom, truth and the gifts of his eternal and Holy 
Ghost, this to their children, and children's children, and all 
their descendants, till the Lord Jesus come in the glorious 
majesty of his heavenly Father in the clouds of heaven, to the 
final judging, and where every one will be rewarded according 
to his works, be they good or evil. (Matt. 25 ; Rom. 2 ; 2 
Cor. 5.) 

Behold, dear reader, thus it behooves true christians to teach, 
to admonish, to reprove, and to correct their children, to set 
them an example in all righteousness, raise them in the fear of 
the Lord, be solicitous for their poor souls, lest they depart from 
the true path, die in their sins and finally perish in their un- 
belief. 

The Lord spoke of Abraham and said : Shall I hide from 
Abraham that thing which I do ; seeing that he shall surely be- 
come a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth 
shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will com- 
mand his children and his household after him, and they 

20* 



234 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. 
(den. 18.) 

Pious Tobit taught his son and said : My son, obey thy father, 
serve the Lord* in truth and be just, and this teach to thy child- 
ren, that they give alms, always fear God, and love him, and 
confide in him with all your heart. (Tob. 14.) 

And when they attain the age of maturity, and have not the 
power to refrain (but he that has, him I would advise with Paul, 
that he use it to the Lord) let them not marry to those out of 
Christ and his community, such as the noble, rich, or handsome, 
as do the proud and unchaste ; but let them marry such as fear, 
love, honor and follow the Lord with the whole heart ; — be they 
noble or ignoble, rich or poor, comely or uncomely, for they are 
holy and children of saints, and therefore, it is of, and must be 
done in the name of the Lord. (Job 8 ; 1 Cor. 7.) 

Let every one beware and do right, lest the wrath and judg- 
ments of God be inflicted upon him on account of his lewdness, 
even as the judgments in the days of Noah and Lot, were in- 
flicted. (Gen. 6, 8, 19.) 

But, alas ! how few who take this to heart, and cordially seek 
their children's salvation. If they can but provide for them 
temporally, then they have their desires ; their faith is priests' 
ordinances and church services ; hope is their salvation, and 
they neither seek nor know another. 

All their doings are contrary to the word of Christ, for as 
soon as they are born, they are brought to idolatrous and false 
baptism, the holy name of the Lord is pronounced over them, 
they are raised in all manner of vanity and blindness, in pomp, 
splendor and excess, in open idolatry and false service, and the 
dumb, earthly life of this world. 

In and out of their houses they hear and see nothing but un- 
righteousness and malice, lying, defrauding, cursing and swear- 
ing, infidelity, avarice, hatred, drinking and eating to excess and 
all manner of disgrace. They never learn to know Christ and 
his word, but they hate the truth and persecute righteousness. In 
short, they show by their actions that they are full of the evil, 
unclean spirit, and are led by it, as may be seen. 

For as your spirit is, so must also your fruits be. Is the spirit 
of Christ in you, which is holy and pure, then are also your 
whole life and fruit pure and holy. Again, if the spirit of the 
evil one is in you, then all your ways and fruits will be evil and 
impure ; — this is incontrovertible. 

Therefore, says Paul : For as many as are led by the spirit 
of God, they are the sons of God. Again, these are led by the 
spirit of an evil one, are the sons of the devil. Dear reader, 
reflect well upon this. Yea, if these poor people had but a spark 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 235 

of the Lord's spirit, they would a thousand times sooner be 
seethed in boiling oil, and burned with fire, than hear and see 
such foolishness, ungodliness aud wantonness in their children, 
much less would they teach them or set them an example in 
such things. For it is incontrovertible, according to the scrip- 
tures, if they do not be partakers of Christ, that their end will 
be eternal death. (Mark 16 ; John 3.) 

Hither, all you who fear the Lord : love your children with 
love divine, seek their salvation with all your heart, even like 
Abraham, Tobit. and the Maccabean mother did. (Gen. 22 ; Job. 
4; 2 Mace. 7.) If they transgress, reprove them sharply; if 
they err, exhort them parentally ; if they are child-like, bear 
them patiently ; if they are of good understanding, instruct them 
christian-like ; dedicate them to the Lord in their youth ; watch 
over their souls as long as they are under your care ; so that 
you will not lose your salvation on their account, pray without 
ceasing, like this pious woman did, that the Lord may grant 
them his grace, that they may resist the devil, subdue their 
natural depravity by the spirit and help of the Lord, and walk 
from their youth up before God and his community, in all right- 
eousness, truth and wisdom, in a firm and sure faith, in unfeigned 
love and living hope, in an honorable and holy life, unblamable 
and without offence, abound in the fruits of faith, to eternal life. 
Amen. 

The attentive reader may also add to the aforementioned 
examples, the faith of the virgin Mary ; the faith of Matthew ; 
of aged Simeon and Hannah ; and that of the blind man, (Luke 
1 ; Matt. 9 ; Luke 2, 5, 18 ; Mark 10,) and such like more, to se- 
riously reflect on with a pious mind, I trust he will, by the aid 
and grace of the Lord, fully understand the nature of true Chris- 
tian faith, that it is unostentatious, without hypocrisy, fears 
God, righteous, long-suffering, ardent, peaceable, joyful, mer- 
ciful, amiable, helpful, kind, meek, zealous, unblamable and 
pious, ever fruitful inwardly in power to God, outwardly towards 
fellow men; even as a good tree brings forth good fruit of its 
own, so must also a true christian faith bring forth. For it 
cannot be otherwise, the righteous must live by faith. (Hab 2 ; 
Kom. 1; Gal. 3; Heb. 10.) 

If Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Joshua and Samuel, 
with all the patriarchs and prophets believed the word of the 
Lord, which was declared to them by angels, or were found so 
faithful therein; how much more should we believe the word, 
and be faithful to that word which the prince of angels, God's 
only begotten Son, the true witness and teacher of righteous- 
ness, Christ Jesus, who came from the high heavens from his 
Father's bosom, brought down and taught on this earth. (John 
7,14.) 



236 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

It will not suffice to say : That Jesus Christ is the Son of 
God, that he fulfilled the law for us, that he paid for our sins 
with his blood, and made reconciliation with the Father, by his 
offering and death: neither will it suffice to only believe that 
his gospel is true, his word is right, the wages of sin is death, 
and that grace is eternal life ; but the heart must rightly com- 
prehend it, and the mind must be resolved upon it, or it will not 
otherwise justify. Paul says : With the heart we believe unto 
righteousness. (Rom. 10.) 

But all who believe with their whole hearts, that Christ Jesus 
is the righteous branch of David ; the true promised prophet ; 
the right way and truth, and our only propitiator, intercessor, 
mediator and high priest. ( Jer. 22 ; Deut. 18 ; Rom. 3 ; 2 John 
2 ; Heb. 5, 13.) They also believe that all his words are immu- 
table and true ; and his offering sufficient and perfect ; they, 
therefore, obey his word, walk in his commands, bow to his 
sceptre and pacify their consciences by his grace, reconciliation, 
merits, offering, promises, death and blood, believe and acknow- 
ledge, if they neglect his will and word, and presumptuously 
transgress his will, and live according to the flesh, that God 
would require such at their hands, and would eternally punish 
them, through his righteous judgment, with the fire of his 
wrath; for those who with impunity transgressed the law of 
Moses, had to die without mercy, through two or three wit- 
nesses ; and how much sorer punishment are they worthy, who 
tread under foot the law of God, and count the blood of the cov- 
enant, whereby they are sanctified, an unholy thing, and have 
done despite unto the spirit of grace ? (Deut. 17 : Heb. 10.) 

Yes, kind reader, if we truly believe it, and rightly understand 
it in our souls, it moves and influences our hearts so with the 
fear and love of the Lord, that although all the tyrants that 
ever were, would rise with all their dread tyranny, torture, pain 
and blood shedding, and stand before us, they should not in the 
least deter or hinder us from the Lord's word and way. Besides, 
all our impure, sensual thoughts, unseasoned words, and our 
useless, ungodly works would soon die, as Sirach says : The 
fear of the Lord dispels sin; and it is impossible, without the 
fear of the Lord, to become right. (Sirach 1.) 

Seeing then, it is more than clear, that a sincere christian 
faith in God, knows God in his righteousness, and therefore 
fears his judgment, and thus through fear buries sin and dies to 
it, (as more than once related,) and nevertheless, you live in all 
avarice, unchastity, drunkenness, wrath, lewdness, blindness, 
idolatry, and all manner of wickedness ; say, beloved, where are 
your faith and word of God of which you boast so much ? Do 
you not know that it is written : If you live after the flesh you 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 237 

shall die? Or do you think that you can trifle with God as with 
a man ? Be not deceived, says Paul, for God will not be mocked. 
(Gal. 6.) 

Ah ! reader, beware, I tell you the truth in Christ ; take care 
of yourself ; if you do not repent with all your heart and seek 
God through Christ, do hear, believe and fear him, but remain 
earthly and sensual, and walk after the lusts of your flesh, your 
sentence already pronounced, will be death. (Rom. 1, 6 ; 1 Cor. 
6; Gal. 5; Eph. 5 ; Rev. 21, 22.) As Christ himself says: I 
judge no man, but the word that I have spoken, the same shall 
judge him in the last day. (John 12.) 

I, therefore, faithfully admonish you, as before God, even as 
I do my own soul, divest yourselves immediately of false doc- 
trine, of all unbelief, idolatry and earthly, disgraceful lives, in 
which, alas ! you have hitherto walked, lest the wrath of God 
overtake you in the sleep of your sins. 

Awaken ! He is still merciful, seek and receive the true doc- 
trine, true faith, true sacraments, the true service, and lead a 
godly life, as the scriptures teach : Then shall your light break 
forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speed- 
ily, and your righteousness shall go before you and the glory of 
the Lord shall be your reward. (Isa. 58.) 

Further, I say : If you truly believe and rightly understand 
that you became, in and through Adam's disobedience, children 
of the devil, of wrath, and of eternal death, subjected to God's 
righteous curse and judgment ; but every obstacle and all your 
sins are taken away through the precious blood of Christ, and 
you are reconciled ; and are called from wrath into grace, from 
cursings to blessings, and out of death to life, (not to mention 
the favors which are daily shown you;) to believe this your 
hearts would sprout forth as the sweet-scented blooming violet, 
full of pure love: yea, flow as the living fountain, from which 
flow forth the refreshing sweet waters of righteousness, and you 
would, with holy Paul, say, from the bottom of your soul : VVho 
should separate us from the love of God? (Rom. 8.) Since it 
can never be if I am in bonds of perfection with him, and love 
him with a pure heart, good conscience and unfeigned faith, that 
nothing then can turn us away or separate us from him. (1 Tim. 
1.) Forit is my own desire and highest joy, that I hear and speak 
of his word, and in my weakness, walk as he commanded and 
taught through his Son, should it even cost money and posses- 
sions, flesh or blood, his will be done. 

Behold, dear reader, since then it is more than clear in the 
Holy Scriptures, that the. true Christian faith through the fear 
of God, dies to sin, and through love does the things of righte- 
ousness, (though in weakness,) I let you judge whether those 



238 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

believe from the heart, who with the mouth say, that the blood 
of Christ is the propitiatory sacrifice of their sin ; and never- 
theless seek and follow up all kinds of idolatry, such as infant 
baptism, holy water, absolution, auricular confession, masses, 
gold, silver, and wooden images, wafers, stone churches, and the 
drunken whoredom of the priests. Ah ! how well it would be 
for them that they would reflect. 

I say : As true as the Lord lives, there will eternally be found 
no other remedy for our sins, whether in heaven or upon earth, 
neither works, merits nor sacraments (though they are used ac- 
cording to the scriptures,) neither cross nor tribulation, neither 
holy angels nor men, nor any other means will avail, but alone 
the crimson, immaculate blood of the lamb, Christ, which was 
out of pure grace, mercy and love, shed and spilt for the remis- 
sion of our sins. (Isa. 53; Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; 
Horn. 3; Col. 1 ; 1 Pet. 1 ; 1 John 1 ; Rev. 1, 7.) 

Therefore, it is incontrovertible, that all those who use such 
strange idolatrous means for sin, belong not to the grateful 
community of Christ. Hence, I will present you with a few 
passages from the gospel and writings of the apostles, and hang 
them before your eyes as a clear mirror, in which you may view 
yourselves, and see whether you are believing Christians. 

Thus teaches the word of the Lord : Verily, verily, I say 
unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the king- 
dom of God. (John 3.) And again : Of a truth I say unto 
you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye 
cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18.) 

Prove yourselves, if you are born of the pure seed of the 
holy word, for the nature of the seed must be in you ; and have 
you in malice, become like children, then there are no more 
pride, unchastity, avarice, hatred and envy in you ; for innocent 
children know nothing of such sins. But if you are yet in 
Adam and not in Christ, and walk after the desires of your own 
depraved flesh, then you show indeed that you are not born of 
God, and have not his faith. 

The Lord's word teaches again : Go and preach the gospel 
to every creature ; he that believeth and is baptized shall be 
saved. (Mark 16.) Here, prove yourselves again. He that be- 
lieves and is rightly baptized, truly repents, circumcises his 
heart, dies to sin, rises in Christ to a new life, &c. But if you 
remain impenitent, your hearts uncircumcised, not dead to sin, 
but live out of Christ and his word, then is the deed your wit- 
ness, that you are. disbelievers and have not the baptism of 
Christ. Again does the word of the Lord teach : If thou 
wouldst enter life keep the commandments. (Matt. 19) For in 
Christ, says Paul, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avail- 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 239 

eth, but the keeping of the commands of God. (1 Cor. 7.) And 
this is his command : That you shall love the Lord thy God 
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, 
and your neighbor as yourself. (Matt. 22 ; Deut. 6 ; Mark 12 ; 
Luke 20 ; Lev. 19 ; Rom. 13; Gal. 5.) 

Hereby, prove yourselves again: If you love God, you will 
keep his commandments. (John. 14, 15; 1 John 5.) And you 
will do to your neighbor as you would have him do to you. If 
you refuse his word, and live not up to, and walk after bis or- 
dinances, doctrine, baptism, supper and separation, and also 
belie defraud, betray your neighbor and deprive him of life, 
disgrace his wife, daughter, or maid ; deal treacherously with 
him ; deceive the poor, blind souls and lead them off from the 
truth, way and obedience of the Lord (either by false doctrine 
or persecution) and rob them of the eternal kingdom and lead 
them to hell ; then it is more than clear, that you hate the 
command of the Lord and have not his faith. 

Again, the word of the Lord teaches : Enter ye in at the 
strait gate ; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that 
leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat ; 
because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which lead- 
eth unto life ; and few there be that find it. (Matt. 7 ; Luke 
13.) At another place it is written : If any man will come 
after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and fol- 
low me. — He that loves father and mother, man or wife, son or 
daughter, more than me, is not worthy of me. (Matt. 10, 16 ; 
Luke 14.) 

Here prove yourselves. Have you such a spirit, such frank- 
ness and faith, that you are ready to suffer on account of the 
word of God and for his testimony's sake ; to forsake in time 
of need, father, mother and all, take upon you the cross of 
Christ, deny yourselves, enter with Christ upon the path of 
misery, and with the little flock enter in at the strait gate. The 
Lord strengthen you. But if you live unto yourselves, reject 
the cross of Christ, and love father, mother, wife, children, 
property or life more than Christ, walk on the broad way with 
the multitude and enter the wide gate, then the Lord's own 
mouth gives testimony that you are disbelievers and that your 
end is damnation. 

Again, says the word of the Lord : And they that are Clirist's 
have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Gal. 5.) 
J?or those who live after the flesh, such as adulterers, whore- 
mongers, incontinent persons, drunkards, avaricious, gamblers, 
thieves, the haughty, the hateful, defamers, blood-thirsty, idola- 
ters, shjall die. (Rom 1 ; 1 Cor 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5.) 

Prove yourselves again : Do your lusts reign in you, and do 



240 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

you walk in such like works as I related to you, or do you sub- 
due your lust through faith, then thank God, fight faithfully, 
watch and pray. But if you do, and live in the lusts of your 
flesh, then reform ; for it is evident that you are not penitent, 
believing Christians, but impenitent sensual heathens. 

Again ; the word of the Lord teaches : Therefore, take no 
thought, saying, What shall we eat f or what shall we drink ? 
or, wherewithal shall we be clothed ? For after all these things 
do the gentiles seek : But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and 
his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto 
you. (Matt. 6.) 

Here ask yourself again : If you believe that the strong and 
mighty God, who nourished Israel for forty years with bread 
from heaven and with water from the rock, and kept their 
clothes from being worn out, (Exod. 26 ; Deut. 29 ;) and fed 
Elias by a raven, (I Sam. 17,) will not forsake you in your dis- 
tress, but will provide for you by his grace, this is a true evi- 
dence that you have the word of the Lord. But if through your 
cares, you are induced or constrained, that you neglect the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, seek temporal, more than 
eternal things, and are so much concerned as if God had more 
concern for the flowers and fowls than for you and your chil- 
dren, boast not that you believe the promise and the word of the 
Lord. 

Again, the word of the Lord teaches : For God so loved the 
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be- 
lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For 
God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the ivorld, but 
that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth 
on him is not condemned ; but he that believeth not is con- 
demned already, because he hath not believed in the name of 
the only begotten Son of God. (John 3.) 

Here prove yourselves for the seventh time. If you believe 
these words of Christ with the whole heart, that the almighty, 
eternal Father had such love to give you and the whole human 
family, that he sent his incomprehensible, almighty and eternal 
Ward, Wisdom, Truth and Son, by whom he created the heav- 
ens and the earth and the fulness thereof, and his eternal glory, 
into this vale of misery ; let him become poor, grieved, misera- 
ble man — let him hunger, thirst, and to be slandered, appre- 
hended, scourged, crowned with thorns and crucified, hence it 
is impossible for your carnal heart not to become spiritual, your 
thoughts must be chaste and pure, your words discreet and 
well seasoned, and your whole life, pious and unblamable. 

Instantly you should awaken, w r alk in the right way, keep 
aloof from all abomination and idolatry, forsake false prophets, 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 241 

preachers and priests ; and seek for the right doctrine, sacra- 
ments and divine service; for a true, sincere, Christian faith 
cannot be idle ; btit it changes, renews, purifies, sanctifies and 
justifies more and more, it makes joyous and glad, for by faith 
he knows that hell, devil, sin and death, are conquered through 
Christ, and that grace, mercy, and redemption from sin, and 
eternal life, are acquired through him. In full confidence, he 
approaches the Father, in the name of Christ, receives the Holy 
Ghost, becomes partaker of the divine nature, and is renewed 
after the image of him, who created him, lives by the virtue of 
Christ, which is in him, all his ways are righteousness, godliness, 
honesty, chastity, truth, wisdom, goodness, benevolence, light, 
love and joy. (Rom. 8 ; Gal. 4; Eph. 2, 3 ; 2 Pet. 1 ; Eph. 4; 
Col. 3; Gal. 2.) 

He sanctifies his body and heart as a habitation and temple 
of Christ and his Holy Ghost : hates all that is against God and 
his word, honors, praises and thanks God with a sincere heart; 
and there is nothing to deter him, neither judgment nor wrath ; 
neither hell nor devil ; neither sin nor eternal death. For he 
knows that Christ is his intercessor, mediator and propitiator. 
He knows with holy Paul : There is, therefore, now no con- 
demnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not 
after the flesh, but after the spirit. (Rom. 8.) The Lord's spirit 
assures him, that he is a child of God and a joint heir of Christ, 
he, therefore, wholly dedicates himself to his Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, who called him through grace, drawed him by his 
spirit, enlightened him by his word, and purchased him by his 
blood. 

Behold, this is the nature of true faith, which has such an 
urgent, cogent power, spirit, fear, energy and life ; which avails 
with God and has the promise in the scriptures. Happy he 
who has such a faith and will salutarily retain it to the end. 
I repeat it : prove yourselves, whether you are in the faith ; in 
Christ or out of Christ ; penitent or impenitent. For in the 
mirror presented, you may view the whole face of your con- 
science and life ; if you but believe that your Lord's word is true 
and right. — Here notice how, that the true christian faith, (in 
grace, which is a flowing fountain, whence is not only a peni- 
tent, new life, but also the obedience to the evangelical cere- 
monies, such as baptism and the Lord's supper,) will have to 
come and follow, not as those compelled through the law ; the 
rod of the oppressor is broken, (Isa. 9,) but voluntarily, 
through the free will ; and submissive spirit of love, which is of 
a christian nature, is ready to all good works and obedience of 
the holy divine word. 

For all the truly regenerated and spiritual conform in all 
21 



242 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

things to the word and ordinances of the Lord ; not because 
they think to merit the propitiation of their sins and eternal 
life, by no means. In this matter they depend upon nothing 
except the true promise of the merciful Father, graciously given 
to all believers, through the blood and merits of Christ which 
blood (I again say) is, and ever will be the only eternal medium 
of our reconciliation, and not works, baptism or Lord's supper 
as above related. 

For if our reconciliation depended upon works and ceremo- 
nies, then it would not be grace, and the merits and fruits of 
the blood of Christ would be void. no ! it is grace and will 
be grace to all eternity — all what the merciful Father is doing 
or has done for us grievous sinners, through his Son and Holy 
Ghost, is grace. But therefore, it happens that they hear the 
voice of the Lord, believe his word, and set forth the represen- 
tation of both signs, under water, bread and wine, in obedience 
(though in weakness) observe and do it. For a truly believing 
christian is thus minded, that he will not do otherwise than 
what the word of the Lord enjoins and teaches ; for he knows, 
that all presumption and disobedience, are like sins of witch- 
craft, and the end thereof is death. (1 Sam. 15; Num. 15; 
Heb. 10.) 

Yes, good reader, the true christian belief as the scriptures 
require, is so lively, active, strong and powerful with all those, 
who have rightly received it through the grace of the Lord, 
that they do not fear to forsake father, mother, wife and chil- 
dren, money and possessions for the Lord's word and testimony 
sake, to suffer all manner of scorn and disgrace, fatigue, hard- 
ship and prison, and finally be burnt at the stake, as may 
abundantly be seen in the pious children and witnesses of Christ, 
especially in these our Netherlands. 

Alas ! how many did I know before, and know the greater 
part of them now, both men and women, men and maid ser- 
vants, and virgins (would to God that they be increased to many 
hundred thousands) who, from the inmost of their souls, seek 
Christ and his word, and lead, in all meekness, a pious and un- 
blamable life before God and man ; sincere and holy in doctrine, 
fall of the fear and love of God v , ready to help one another, 
merciful, compassionate, meek, sober, chaste, neither refractory 
nor seditious; but quiet and peaceable, obedient to the magis* 
tracy in all things not contrary to God ; and who have, never- 
theless, for a number of years, not slept in their beds, and even 
do not now ; for they are so much hated by the world, that they 
have been persecuted, betrayed, taken, exiled and slain like 
highwaymen, thieves and murderers, and that without mercy ; 
and for no other reason, only because they out of true fear of 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 243 

God, dare not take part in the abominable, sensual life, and 
with the accursed, disgraceful idolatry of this blind world : 
neither dare they hear nor acknowledge the unchaste, drunken, 
lecherous priests and deceiving blind preachers, as the true 
apostles and teachers of God ; and dare not receive the bread 
with the avaricious, envious, proud, drunkards, whores and 
rogues, at their hands ; and carry their children to anti-christian 
washing and baptism, but seek preachers and teachers, and also 
such a baptism, supper, church and life, which are in accord- 
ance with the scriptures, and may stand according to the word 
of the Lord. 

Behold, before God, I write the truth, indeed they are such a 
people, if I otherwise know them rightly (hypocrites excepted,) 
who weep more than they laugh, who sorrow more than they 
are joyful, give more than they receive, who are ready not only 
to sacrifice possessions, and their all, but also body and life for 
the praise of the Lord, and to the necessary service of their 
neighbor, as much as in them is. And no matter how much the 
poor children are harassed, they are still so much strengthened 
in God, that they can neither be moved nor deterred. They 
possess their souls with patience, waiting for the joy promised. 
Truly said Christ : Ye will be hated of all men for my sake. 
(Matt. 24.) 

Since then it is evident from all this, that the true evangeli- 
cal faith is of such a nature, as said, and is the only means and 
tree which through the grace of God, bears and propagates all 
manner of good fruit, therefore, it is considered, in scripture, 
the most precious, and greatest work, (John 6,) and all things 
are ascribed to faith, such as miracles, and the power to become 
the children of God, and be justified ; be blessed and saved; 
purified and sanctified ; and have eternal life, as we have related 
when treating of the Malefactor's faith. (Matt. 14 ; Mark 16 ; 
Luke 17 ; 1 Cor. 13 ; Rom. 3, 5, 18 ; Gal. 3 ; 1 Pet. 1 ; Acts 

15 ; John 3, 7, 11.) 

Not, dear reader, that we believe that faith merits this on 
account of its worth ; by no means ; but because God's pleasure, 
through his word, is connected with true faith, (Matt. 14; Mark 

16 ; John 3, 7, 1 1, 21,) then it must also by virtue of that word, 
follow faith. For the scriptures plainly teach, that all things, 
visible aud invisible, have to hear, yield, serve and follow God's 
powerful word, as when he said: Let there be heaven and 
earth. Heaven and earth sprang into existence at these words. 
(Gen.l.) For his word, says Esdras, is his perfect work. (4 
Esd. 6.) God also says to Israel: If thou shalt hearken unto 
the voice of the Lord thy God, all these blessings shall come 
on thee ; but if thou wilt not hearken, the curse shall be upon 



244 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

thee ; (Lev. 26 ; Deut. 28) and it also happened, as it was told 
Israel : For God, says Balaam, is not a man that he should lie ; 
neither the son of man, that he should repent. (Num. 23.) For 
these reasons the promise must follow true faith, else God who 
is a God of truth, must be untrue and faithless, cannot be 
denied. no ! all that he wills must be done, what he pro- 
mises must be fulfilled, and not otherwise than he has promised, 
for he alone is true, and we are all liars. (Ps. 31 ; Kom. 3.) 
Paul says : If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful : he can- 
not deny himself. (2 Tim. 2.) 

Since then faith so firmly knows that God cannot break his 
promise, but must keep it, because he is the truth and cannot 
lie, therefore, does he make his children joyful, and glad in 
spirit; though they are confined in prisons, bonds, and 
have to endure water and fire, or are in chains and at the stake ; 
for they are assured in the spirit through faith, that God will 
fulfil his promise made to them ; for they believe on Christ, 
inasmuch as the promises are sealed, and they are assured thereof 
through his grace, word and will, although they did formerly 
live ungodly and carnally. 

They hope with faithful Abraham, where nothing is to be 
hoped, and wait for things invisible, as though they saw them; 
and with full confidence adhere to the assurance, truth, faithful- 
ness and power of the heavenly promise, (Rom. 4; Heb. 11,) 
which is made to us by the infallible, true mouth of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, without any previous work or 
merit, through his merciful Father's gracious choice and will, in 
his true word. (James 1 ; Eph. 2 ; Phil. 1 ; Rom. 10.) And 
that your regeneration, justifying, converting, penitent, active 
and confident faith, which comes from the Father of light, by 
hearing his holy word, is the only faith that avails with God, 
and which has the assurance of the promise of grace in the 
word, through the Holy Ghost ; besides this, the scriptures know 
of no other faith. 

Before now, I read in some books, which they have written, 
there is but one good work which saves us, namely, faith, and 
but one sin which will damn us, namely, unbelief. This I will 
leave as it is, and not find fault with it ; for where there is a sin- 
cere, true faith, there is also all manner of sincere, good fruits. 
And on the other hand, where there is unbelief, there is also all 
manner of evil fruits; therefore, is salvation properly ascribed 
to faith, and damnation to unbelief. (Mark 16 ; John 3.) 

Faithful reader, pay attention. Since we plainly see and 
perceive that the whole world, Papists, Lutherans, Zuinglians, 
Davidists, libertines, &c, walk the broad road of sin, and lead 
a sensual life, and do not abide by the pure, salutary, perfect 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 245 

doctrine, sacrament and unblamable, pure example of Christ ; 
they are themselves witnesses, that they reject the corner stone 
Jesus Christ, and believe not his word and truth, though a few 
of them write much of faith and speak of the scriptures. (Rom. 
6 ; Col. 2 ; Matt. 22 ; 1 Pet. 2.) Say, beloved, did you ever 
read in the scriptures, or did you ever hear, that a truly be- 
lieving regenerated christian, after repentance and conversion, 
was proud, avaricious, incontinent, tyrannical and idolatrous, 
and lived after the lusts of his flesh? You have to say, no! 
And if you speak of Peter and David, you must observe that 
they did not delay repentance, and what kind of penance they 
did. (2 Sam. 11, 12 ; Luke 22.) Turn yourself to the east, or 
to the west, to the south or north, you find with all those who 
boast of faith, ungodly, vain, pompous, foolish actions and con- 
duct, that we have to say with Christ and John : That they are, 
with few exceptions, of the devil and not of God. (John 8; 1 
John 3.) For the devil was from the beginning, proud and 
haughty, so are they, he was a liar, so are they ; he was a falsifier 
of the word of the Lord, so are they ; he was disputatious 
against God, so are they. In short, he is a revengeful mur- 
derer, an abominable, blood-thirsty tyrant, so are many of them. 
The way in which they use those, who seek Christ sincerely and 
believe, fear, follow, serve and call on him, has been more than 
once fully related. 

Yea, alas, they are so enraged at them, that they will scarce 
call them by their right names, but they call them anabaptists, 
fanatics, rioters, factionists, hedge preachers, deceivers, heretics, 
new monks, knaves and miscreants, although they do seek the 
kingdom of God and his righteousness with all their hearts, 
(which God knows, who tries the reins and hearts of men,) and 
wish no evil to any one upon earth. 

And this they do all through the ignorant, defaming of the 
envious, inhuman, lying, crying and writing of their learned 
priests and preachers, who from time to time, which the blas- 
phemous beast of antichrist has raised up in his kingdom and 
glory, (Rev. 13, 19,) these have always been the true cause why 
innocent blood which was, and is so tyrannically shed ; for they 
are those who instigate the magistracy to murder, and the 
plebians to defame and blaspheme, and, I fear, will continue 
such till the end. 

Nevertheless, the chosen are to awaken, repent and to obey 
the voice of the Lord ; for idolatrous, blood-thirsty, confused 
Babel shall sink, and must be desolated ; and fair Jerusalem, 
the city of peace, shall and will increase, and through the 
power of almighty God must be built up in glory. Of this all 
rejoice, who are called to the marriage of the Lamb, and whose 

21* 



246 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

names are written in the book of life with God. Here is 
understanding", wisdom, faith and patience of the saints ; let 
him that has understanding, observe, that the word of the Lord 
is true. Blessed are they who are ready to meet the coming of 
the Lamb. 

Behold, such a faithless, impenitent, tyrannical, idolatrous, 
refractory, disobedient, blind, sensual people they are, who 
imagine that they are the believing community, and the lawful 
bride of Christ. Observe that all under the heaven is spoiled, 
even as the prophet complains ; There is no truth, nor mercy, 
nor knowledge of God in the land ; by swearing, lying, stealing, 
killing and committing adultery, they break out, and blood 
toucheth blood. (Hos. 4:) The world, says John, lieth in 
wickedness. (1 John 5.) If we come to the lords and princes, 
there we find such pride, arrogance, pomp and wantonness, such 
banqueting, eating and drinking to excess, with some such 
adultery and whoredom, and such unreasonable, blind idolatry, 
and with many, such unmerciful, raging tyranny, that they are 
in truth more like proud Nebuchadnezzar, drunken Belshazzar, 
and Nabal, and blood thirsty, vain Antioch, Nero and Maxi- 
minus, than christian believing lords and kind princes. (Dan. 4, 
5 ; 1 Sam. 25 ; Mace. 9.) If we come to the judges and rulers, 
to each in his station, with some we find only violence and in- 
justice, with some nothing but avarice, astonishing practices, 
they honorably steal and rob, pass sentence for gain and gifts ; 
honor the high and despise the poor, do not justice to the poor 
widow, orphan and the oppressed stranger, execute their office 
and power with rigor, and not fraternally ; serve princes and not 
God, as the prophet laments : What the prince desires, the judge 
does, so that he will again reward him. (Mic. 7.) Alas ! where 
shall we find one, who loves God with all the heart, hates 
avarice, seeks the truth, who will defend the godfearing, and do 
him justice ? 

If we come to the monks, there we find such insatiable ava- 
rice, that they offer and sell for money, prayers, psalms, matins, 
vespers, masses, sermons, baptism, Lord's supper, absolution, 
all their church services, together with their own souls ; take 
rents and gold from the deceased, will go six or ten miles, from 
one place to another for a guilder; where they find the most 
milk and wool, there they prefer to be among the sheep, like to 
be flattered and honored by the world, they suffer themselves to 
be called doctors, lords, masters, abbots, provost, priors, fathers, 
guardians, presidents, like to wear long garments, seek to be 
greeted at the market, and take the first seats at the table and 
in the church, as Christ said of the Scribes and Pharisees. 
(Mark 12 ; Luke 10.) Besides, the greater part of them live in 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 247 

such whoredom and sodomy that the angels are astonished and 
blush — they defile one woman after another, also daughters and 
virgins. Defraud and corrupt the whole world, both temporal 
and spiritual ; they have all their joy in a temporal, sensual 
life : study by day and by night, how they may pamper their 
proud, idle, lazy flesh ; eating and drinking, saying, as it is 
written in the prophecy of Isa. 16 : Come let us go for wine and 
drink till we are drunken and do to-morrow as we did to-day, 
and much more : betray the pious hearts, who with all powers 
seek Christ and eternal life : they warn them of the truth aud 
their followers, and cry : Hear us, we are your teachers and 
pastors, we will pledge our souls for you in the judgment of 
God. (2 Pet. 2.) And thus encourage the malicious, lest they 
be converted from their wickedness. Promising liberty to 
others, and are themselves servants of corruption. (Jer. 23 ; 2 
Pet, 2.) I do not know how they could make it worse ; never- 
theless, those unblushing, abominable men, who according to 
the law of Moses, would suffer death, and who (unless .they re- 
pent,) must be eternally cursed and condemned, alas, are called 
the pastors and teachers of this poor, rude people. Behold, 
thus the world is corrupted. 9 

If we come to the preachers, who boast of the word, we will 
find, that some are open liars, others drunken sots, some usurers, 
some wanton and gay, some defamers and slanderers, others 
persecutors and betrayers of the innocent ; you will see how 
others conduct themselves towards their women, and what kind 
of woman they have, — all I will commit to the Lord and to 
themselves. Teaching subtilely, that there are tivo sons in 
Christ, the Son of God, and the son of Mary, and that he who 
died for our sins, was not the Son of God. Teach and practice 
a baptism not commanded in the scriptures ; some of them hold 
also the supper, where they consider the bread the body, and 
the wine the blood of Christ, they have, and hold no other ban, 
than the gallows, and the wheel ; lead an easy life, maintain 
themselves by deceiving, they preach as much as the sensual 
magistracy desire to hear, promise the poor impenitent peace, 
though there is no peace. (Jer, 8.) 

If we come to the common people, we find such an unbe- 
coming, sensual, blind, uncircumcised horde, that we are 
astonished, they know neither God nor his word. Their piety 
consists in any thing but the doctrine and commands of Christ. 
In short, it has come so far in the world, that we may complain 
and say with the holy prophet : Run ye to and fro through 
Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places 
thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth 
judgment, that seeketh the truth. (Jer. 5.) 

Not one stone has remained upon another, all is desolated 



248 OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 

which Christ and his faithful messengers taugh us of faith, love, 
baptism, supper, reconciliation of sin, repentance, regeneration, 
separation, teachers, deacons and of the true divine service, 
nevertheless, they are called the community of Christ by their 
blind priests and preachers, even as if Christ and the Father 
were to be satisfied with names, bread, wine and water. no ! 
the chosen of God are the church of Christ — his saints and be- 
loved, who washed their clothes in the blood of the Lamb, who 
are born of God, influenced by the spirit of Christ, who are in 
Christ and he in them, who hear and believe his word, who fol- 
low him in their weakness, in his commandments, walk in his 
footsteps with all patience and humility, hate the evil, and love 
the good, earnestly desiring to apprehend Christ as they are 
apprehended of him, (Phil. 3,) for all who are in Christ, are new 
creatures. (2 Cor. 5.) Flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone. 
(Eph. 5.) Members of his body. (1 Cor. 12.) As you and the 
whole world agree, I will therefore, leave you and all reasonable 
readers, to reflect with the understanding and scripture, upon 
these things, in the fear of the Lord. 

Since, then, all things are desolated through God's righteous 
judgment; because they delighted in the unrighteousness and 
lies of the false prophets and ravening wolves, and that nothing 
salutary has remained according to the true sense and ground 
of Christ and his holy apostles — we find nothing in the whole 
world, among all the great sects, but vain boastings, mere 
names, false doctrine, false sacraments, vain unbelief and an im- 
penitent, sensual life, and this is all to be found under the name 
and semblance of Christ and his holy community ; hence, I am 
constrained, by true Christian love, to make known the power 
and ground of the holy scriptures, according to my small gift, 
given me of God, and through this to show which is the true 
Christian faith, having the promise, the faith which changes 
man from evil into good, to a divine nature, both inwardly and 
outwardly, and makes him, as heard, holy, righteous, obedient, 
new, pious, peaceable and joyful. In order that pious hearts, 
who desire to walk in the .right way, but who are hindered 
therefrom by their blind priests and preachers, may read or 
hear this my faithful exposition and instruction, that they may 
thereby be instructed in the truth; the indifferent and drowsy 
may be awakened, and all thy hypocrites may be ashamed, and 
reform, and all those who love God sincerely, might be more 
instructed and taught in the faith ; if they do by any means ac- 
knowledge this as the, sure foundation of God, as it is, and will 
be, eternally. The dear Lordi grant that many may, read and 
understand it, and thus receive and obey it, that they may sin- 
cerely repent and be saved. Amen. , 

And since I do it out of a sincere heart, and labor not with' 



OF THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN. 249 

any other view (of which the great God, the searcher of men's 
hearts and reins, is my witness,) than that I may teach the 
ignorant, rude world, which knows not Christ, repentance, lead 
them to Christ and his doctrine, sacraments and example, and 
that many might be saved, and as we plainly see that there are 
many profligates who have reformed their sinful, sensual lives, 
and commenced an upright, penitent, pious life in the fear of the 
Lord; then it is gross ingratitude, yea, hardened, ungodly 
tyranny, to hate me and my co-workers so enviously and recom- 
pense us so shamefully, who manifest such great fidelity and 
love towards them in our manifold sufferings and trials. 

But thus, they treated, in the beginning, all the prophets and 
servants of God, who preached to them the Lord's word and' 
will with great fidelity, reproved their sins, sought even till 
death their salvation with all their powers, with many tears, 
watchings, prayers, labors, cares and sorrows ; therefore, it is 
nothing strange, and no wonder, that they will treat us so ; for 
Christ says : For they did so to the prophets, who were before 
you. (Matt. 5 ; Luke 6.) 

I entreat and desire, hereby, through the mercy of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, all my readers and hearers in general, of whatever 
name, office, station and condition, that you be pleased neither 
to defame nor to reject my labor, as long as you have not read it 
impartially, heard it rightly and understood it. Do, therefore, 
separate Christ's doctrine, sacraments and life from the doctrine, 
sacraments and life of the priests and preachers ; separate faith 
and unbelief, spirit and flesh, righteousness and unrighteousness. 
Seek after the truth, strive zealously for your salvation, believe 
that God is true, that he will reward the good and punish the 
evil, that his word is, and will be, truth eternally. Fear his 
judgment, love his bounties, then you will know by the grace of 
the Lord that the aforementioned is the true Christian faith, 
which avails before God, and has the promise in the scriptures, 
as we have so abundantly testified and shown to you by God's 
word so abundantly, and with such incontrovertible passages, 
scriptures and examples, without deceit and fraud, as it were 
before, in Christ Jesus. 

The almighty, eternal, merciful God and Father, through his 
beloved Son, Jesus Christ, lead you all, one with another, into 
his holy, divine knowledge and evangelical truth, and make your 
faith fruitful and active, that you may at all times with sincere, 
new hearts, patiently submit to his cross in every trial and 
affliction, unfeigned in love, peaceable and joyful in spirit, as 
the unblamable, pious children of God, (1 Fet. 1,) may walk 
before the Lord and his community all the days of your lives, 
and ultimately obtain the promise of grace, the end of your 
faith, the salvation of your souls. Amen. 



250 TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. — CONCLUSION. 

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER. 

CONCLUSION. 

Beloved reader, here you have my ground and doctrine op 
Faith, with its properties, power, operation and fruits. I, 
therefore, entreat you all, if you appreciate Christ and your own 
salvation, suppress your perverted minds, be not enraged and 
embittered, should you find any thing" contrary to the usages of 
our forefathers, standing usages, or philosophic writings and the 
calling of the learned; but first prove it rightly, and scrutinize 
it well with Christ and his holy apostles' word, spirit, life and 
example, whether it is not the true content, meaning, ground 
and sense of the whole scriptures ; if so, you will have to give 
up the unscriptural usage, and the deceptive calling of the 
learned, and hold only to the word of the Lord, if you would be 
saved. Let, therefore, your heart be impartial, and your judg- 
ment sincere and after truth ; for almighty God, before whom 
every knee has to bow and every tongue confess, will not and 
cannot yield to any of the learned, or to long-standing usages, 
or customs ; for he is Lord, and we are his servants. (Isa. 45 ; 
Eom. 14; Phil. 2.) We must follow Him, and He not us. Ah ! 
reader ! lay it to heart ! 

Likewise, if you find that we preach our doctrine rightly, re- 
spect no man's dignity, fear no man's tyranny, nor yield to the 
learned, but in true, sincere love, faithfully teach, admonish and 
reprove every one without respect of person, with the Lord's 
holy spirit, word, example and ordinance, in all things not 
right ; then, I entreat you again, that you would be pleased not 
to attribute this to spiritual pride, but to well-meant frankness 
and Christian simplicity. I desire that you would all walk 
rightly, so that you may be saved, on account of which I have 
to endure not a little tribulation. I refuse not to become as a 
fool, so that I may make many wise in Christ, and with the 
Lord's holy spirit and powerful word lead them to wisdom and 
to the saints ; and I well know that Christ and his apostles, and 
the prophets, were guilty of the same foolishness, and were of 
the same mind with me in this matter. 

I reprove, they reprove more ; 1 threaten, they do so much 
more. (Rev. 9.) Were they on account carnal and proud ? Far 
from it? Yes, my reader, had not the dark smoke of men- 
pleasing-preachers, the accursed, false doctrine of the dreadful, 
abominable locusts out of the abyss, risen up ; but had sincere 
reproving, the true, pure doctrine, the scriptural usage of the 
sacraments, and the separating of the impenitent, without re- 



THE NEW BIRTH. 251 

spect to person, continued in the world ; never would the 
pleasing sun have lost his splendor, nor would the church have 
lapsed into such a dreadful condition ; therefore, I esteem it with 
Paul, to be unimportant, to be judged of men in this matter. (1 
Cor. 4.) For I know that I mean it well, do right and reprove 
only with the truth, so that they may be converted. 

The true heavenly light, Jesus Christ, eternally blessed, en- 
lighten all dark, benighted hearts with the clear and lucid ray 
of his Holy Ghost and eternal truth, in unfeigned, pure faith, to 
view the brightness of Christ, to the praise and honor of his 
great name, and to the salvation of many souls. Amen. 



A FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE, 

FROM THE WORD OF THE LORD, CONCERN- 
ING THE NEW BIRTH. 

• Exhorting all of every Christian denomination to the hea- 
venly birth and the new creature, without which none, who has 
come to the years of maturity, can be a true Christian. 
' In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision 
avaveih, but a new creature. Gal. 6. 

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 
which is J '.s us Christ. 1 Cor. 3. 

Hear my words, all people, and understand them, all you who 
imagine that you are Christians, and presumptuously boast of 
the Lord's grace, merits, flesh, blood, cross, kingdom and death, 
notwithstanding we find among you neither Christian faith, 
brotherly love nor repentance, nor the right use of the sacra- 
ments of Christ, nor the pure doctrine, nor- the unblamable, 
godly life, which is out of God, to which the scriptures admonish 
us ; neither the true, divine service, nor an evangelical disposi- 
tion, nor obedience ; 'but throughout nothing else than abomina- 
ble darkness, unbelief, a lewd_, carnal life, false doctrine, false 
and self-devised sacraments, a devilish heart and mind, an ac- 
cursed, heathen idolatry under the name of Christ, blind, blood- 
thirsty tyranny, envious and furious revengeful ness against all 
the children of God; yea, open obstinacy, disobedience and 
rejection of the words of Christ and of his Holy Ghost, as may'* 
be very plainly perceived and seen through the world. 

In order that you comfort yourselves no longer with lying 
and vain hopes, contrary to the scriptures, to your eternal dam- 
nation, and not glory in vain, in the afore-mentioned riches and 
glory of the children of God, namely of Christ's kingdom, grace, 



252 THE NEW BIRTH. 

merits, fiesli, blood, cross, death and promises, &c, which do not 
yet pertain to yon, because you are yet altogether earthly, sen- 
sually and devilishly minded, reject Christ, and do not keep to 
his spirit, word and example, without which no one can be a 
christian ; I have undertaken through the merciful grace of the 
Lord, as much as is in my power, to inform you, briefly, by the 
infallible, powerful, saving word of the gospel of Christ, and' out 
of the unadulterated, pure doctrine of his apostles, in this my 
epistle, who they are, or who they are not, that are endowed of 
God, and to whom pertain the aforementioned gifts, merits and 
promises of Christ. 

Tell me, most beloved, where or when did you read in the 
scriptures, (which is the true witness of the Holy Ghost and the 
only line of our consciences,) that the unbelieving, disobedient, 
sensual adulterer, whoremonger, drunkard, avaricious, idolatrous 
or pompous and arrogant, had a single promise of the kingdom 
of Christ and community, nay, part or communion in his merits, 
death and blood? I tell you the truth, nowhere do we read it 
in the scriptures, nor ever will we : but thus it is written in 
Paul's writings : For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die. 
Adulterers, whoremongers, buggerers, effeminate, unclean, 
idolators, drunkards, proud, avaricious, betrayers of the in- 
nocent, and bloodshedders, thieves, murderers, backbiters, per- 
jurers, sorcers, liars, unmerciful, the disobedient to God and 
Christ, (if they repent not,) will not inherit the kingdom of 
God, yea, their portion will be in the fiery lake which burns 
with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Rom. 8 ; 1 
Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; Gen. 38 ; Eev. 21, 22.) 

Behold, worthy reader, this [is God's irrevocable sentence, 
upon all who live after the flesh, whoever they be, emperor or 
king, duke or earl, knight or squire, noble or ignoble, priest or 
monk, learned or unlearned, rich or poor, male or female, bond 
or free. All, who live after the flesh, must forever remain under # 
God's just sentence and eternal wrath, else the whole scriptures 
are untrue and false. (Acts 10 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; 
James 2.) 

And, therefore, are the poor, ignorant people comforted in 
vain with masses, matins, vespers, confession, pilgrimage and 
holy water, and what is more, with Christ's grace, death and 
blood. The word stands firm : For if ye live after the flesh ye 
shall die ; for to be carnally minded is death. (Rom. 8.) There- 
fore, I advise and entreat you all in general, do hear Christ Jesus, 
who is sent to us as a witness of the truth from heaven ; for thus 
says he : Verily I say unto you except ye be converted and be- 
come like little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of 
heaven. (Matt. 18.) At another place : Verily, verily, I say unto 



THE NEW BIRTH. 253 

you except ye be born from above ye cannot enter the kingdom of 
heaven. Again : Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man 
be born of water and the spirit, Sfc. (John 3.) 

Faithful reader, take heed : these words are not invented or 
instituted of man ; nor are they the resolution of any cquncil ; 
but they are the infallible, precious words, which the Sou of 
God, Christ Jesus, brought to us from the mouth of his Father, 
and declared unto pious Nicodemus, the scribe, with a double 
asseveration. That word is powerful and clear, and has not only 
reference to Nicodemus, but to all the children of Adam, who 
have come to the years of maturity. But alas, it is so obscured 
by the abominable, offensive, leavenous mire of human com- 
mands, statutes and glossaries, that scarcely one or two are found 
of a thousand, who have the true sense and understanding of the 
heavenly birth, much less have they the active power, properties 
and fruits of it. Yea, they have brought it so far through their 
philosophy, wisdom and self-chosen holiness, that the eternal 
Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus, eternally blessed, is banished as a 
poor senseless fool, out of the house of his honor, (which is his 
community,) with his Holy Ghost, word, baptism, supper, divine 
service, separation and unblamable example ; and the man of 
sin, the son of perdition, is placed in his stead, (2 Thess. 2,) with 
his abominable doctrine, idolatrous infant baptism and supper, 
with his unclean purifications and promises, with his churches, 
cloisters, priests, monks, masses, mattins, vespers, holy water, 
images, pilgrimages, purgatory, vigils, confession, absolution, 
&c. : all of which in short, are nothing but the doctrines and 
commands of men, raised up contrary to the scriptures, an ac- 
cursed idolatry and abomination, an open denial and blasphemy 
of the Lord's death and offering, a despising of the New Testa- 
ment, or of the covenant which was sealed by the innocent blood 
of the Lamb, a destrojdng and desolation of the saving ordi- 
nances of Christ, of doctrine, baptism, supper, life and separa- 
tion, abundantly testified in the scriptures, which ordinance he 
taught in this world with incontrovertible clearness and power 
according to the command of his Father, and left it to his child- 
ren in his word ; and none other can be established eternally 
that will stand before him. 

In short, writers and the learned have corrupted every thing 
so much through their councils, decrees and statutes, with all 
the tyranny and power of the great, that there is scarcely an 
article entire of all which Christ and his holy apostles taught. 
All the afore-mentioned abominations, together with the ungodly, 
sensual life of the world, I call on as witnesses ; nevertheless 
they would be called the holy christian church. And he that 
admonishes them in sincere, pure love, with the Lord's spirit 



254 THE NEW BIRTH. 

and word, must be an accursed anabaptist and heretic. 1 tell 
you again : They want to be the christian church, and it is evi- 
dent from all their actions, that they are not christians ; but 
sensual, proud, avaricious, lascivious, lewd, drunken and idola- 
trous blind heathens. And what is worse, some of them are un- 
merciful, murdering, ferocious, revengeful and blood-thirsty 
fiends ; for many of their works are done according to the devil's 
will. (John 8.) We may with propriety complain of this mat- 
ter ; for the righteous judgment is come upon them, that they 
are unconvertible and that little of a salutary kind remains with 
them. 

I how miserably is the fair vineyard desolated, and how 
lamentably are its branches withered, its walls are broken down, 
the destroying foxes have destroyed the grapes, the clouds are 
dry and give no rain, (Isa. 5 ; Jer. 2, 12 ;) there is neither pruner 
nor knife at hand ; and if there is one he must be devoured out 
of the dragon, or slain by the apocalyptical woman, drunk with 
blood. merciful, gracious Father, how long will this great 
misery endure ? Our rulers are like voracious lions and bears. 
Our fathers are our betrayers. Our leaders our deceivers. And 
those who feign to be our pastors are thieves and murderers of 
our souls. (Luke 23; 2 Thess. 2.) Well may we sigh and com- 
plain from the inmost of our hearts : Our house is left us deso- 
late. For that which was before Christ's church and kingdom, 
is now, alas ! antichrist's church and house, and for no other 
reason than because they ungratefully rejected the word of 
grace, and will not have the ruling Lord Jesus Christ, to rule 
over them, with the righteous scepture of his holy word and 
spirit, (Luke 19 :) nevertheless, this poor blind people hope to 
obtain God's grace and promises through their infant baptism, 
masses, confession and the like superstitious ceremonies and 
idolatries, which they call the true divine service, and use it as 
a remedy for their sins. Ah ! no, most beloved, no ; for the 
hope of the ungodly is like thistle-down, says Solomon, that is 
blown away with the wind. I have said it once, and repeat it, 
and that from the mouth of the Lord, who can neither lie nor 
deceive : Except ye he converted, and become as little child- 
ren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. — And if ye 
are not born from above, ye shall not see the kingdom of God. 
(Matt. 18 ; John 3.) 

My beloved reader, do take heed to the word of the Lord, and 
do once learn to know the true God. I warn you faithfully take 
heed, he will not save you, nor pardon your sins, nor show you 
his grace, except according to his word, namely : If you repent, 
if you believe, if you are born of him, if you do what he has 
commanded, and walk even as he walked. (Matt. 4 ; Mark 1, 16 ; 



THE NEW BIRTH, 255 

Luke 13 ; 2 John 3, 15 ; 1 John 2.) For if he could save unjus- 
tified, sensual man, without regeneration, faith and repentance, 
he did not teach us the truth ; but he is the truth, and there is 
no lie in him. Therefore, I tell you again, that you -cannot be 
reconciled with all your masses, matins, vespers, ceremonies, 
sacraments, councils, statutes and commands under the whole 
heavens, together with all the popes and their adherents from 
the beginning ; for I warn you, they are abominations and not 
propitiations. Christ says : In vain do they honor me, because 
they teach commandments of men. But if you, by any means, 
be saved, your sensual, ungodly life, must be reformed ; for the 
scriptures teach nothing but true repentance and reformation 
and present to us admonitions, threatenings, reprovings, miracles, 
examples, ceremonies and sacraments ; and if you do not repent, 
there is nothing in heaven or on earth that can save you ; for 
without true repentance, we are comforted in vain. The prophet 
says : my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and 
destroy the way of thy paths. (Isa. 3.) We must be born from 
above, (John 3,) must be changed and renewed in our hearts, 
transplanted from Adam's unrighteous and evil nature, into the 
true and good nature of Christ ; or we can eternally not be saved 
by any means, whether human or divine. (Matt. 18.) For 
wherever true repentance and new creature are not (I speak of 
adults,) man must be eternally lost — this is incontrovertibly 
clear. This every one may confidently rely upon, who does not 
wish to deceive his soul. 

That regeneration of which we write, from which comes the 
penitent pious life having the promise, comes alone from the 
word of the Lord, if it be rightly taught, and if rightly under- 
stood and received in the heart by faith through the Holy Ghost. 
(Rom. 10; 1 Cor. 4; 1 Pet. 1; James 1.) The first birth of 
man is out of the first earthly Adam, and therefore its nature is 
earthly and Adamic, that is, the carnal mind, unbelief, disobe- 
dience, in divine things, blindness, deafness and folly, whose end, 
if not renewed by the word, will be damnation and eternal death. 
Would you, therefore, have your inbred, evil nature reformed, 
and be free from eternal death and damnation, so that you may 
obtain with all true christians, what is promised them, you must 
be born again. For the regenerated are in grace, and have the 
promise, as you have heard. They do, therefore, lead a penitent 
and new life, for they are renewed in Christ, and have received 
a new heart and spirit. Before, they were earthly-minded, but 
now heavenly ; before, carnally, now spiritually ; before, un- 
righteous, now righteous ; before, evil, now good. And live no 
longer after the old depraved nature of the first earthly Adam 
but after the new, sincere nature of the new and heavenly Adam 



256 THE NEW BIRTH. 

Christ Jesus j as Paul says : I live no more, but Christ lives in 
me. (Gal. 2,) Their poor weak life they renew daily more and 
more, and that after the image of him who created them, (Col. 
3,) their minds are after the mind of Christ, (Phil. 2,) and they 
gladly walk as he walked, (1 John 2,) they crucify and mortify 
their flesh with its evil lusts, (Gal. 5,) they bury their sin with 
baptism in the Lord's death, and rise with him to a new life, 
(Rom. 6,) they circumcise their hearts with the word of the 
Lord, (Col. 2,) and are baptized with the Holy Ghost in the 
spotless, holy body of Christ, as obedient members and fellow- 
heirs of his community, according to the true ordinance and 
according to the word of the Lord. They put on Christ and 
manifest the power of his spirit in all their fruits, (1 Cor. 12 ; 
Gal. 2, 3,) they fear God with all the heart, and seek in all their 
thoughts, words and works, nothing but the praise of God and 
the salvation of their brethren. They know not hatred and ven- 
geance, for they love those who hate them, they do good to those 
who despitefully use them, and pray for those who persecute 
them : (Matt. 5 ; Eom. 12,) they hate and resist avarice, pride, 
lewdness, drunkenness, hatred, envy, backbiting, lying, defraud- 
ing, quarrelling, blood-shedding, idolatry ; in short, all unclean 
and carnal works, and deny the world with its' lusts, (Gal. 6,) 
they meditate upon the law of the Lord by day and by night ; 
(Ps. 1,) they rejoice at the good and are grieved at the evil, 
(Rom. 10,) evil they do not repay with evil, but with good; they 
seek not self, nor their own, but what is good for their neigh- 
bors, both as to body and soul ; they feed the hungry, and give 
drink to the thirsty, (Matt. 25,) they entertain the needy, re- 
lease prisoners, visit the sick, comfort the faint-hearted, admon- 
ish the erring, and are ready after their master's example, to 
give their lives for their brethren. Again, their thoughts are 
pure and chaste, their words are true and seasoned with salt ; 
with them is yea, what is yea, and nay, what is nay, and their 
works are done in the fear of the Lord ; their hearts are 
heavenly and new ; their minds peaceful and joyful ; they seek 
righteousness with all their powers. In short, they are so as- 
sured in their faith through God's spirit and word, (Rom. 12, 
15; James 1, 5 ; 2 John 3;. Col. 4; Matt. 5,) that they will 
valiantly overcome, by virtue of their faith, all blood-thirsty, 
cruel tyrants, with all their tortures, punishment, exiling, plun- 
der, stocks and stakes, executioners, tormentors and counsel; 
and out of a pure zeal, with an innocent pure heart, and with a 
simple yea and nay are willing to die. Christ's glory, the sweet- 
ness of the word, and the salvation of souls are dearer to them 
than any thing under heaven. 

Behold, worthy reader : " All those who are born of God with 



THE NEW BIRTH. 257 

Christ, thus conform their weak life after the gospel, are thus 
converted, and follow the example of Christ, hear and believe 
his holy word, follow his commands, which he left and comman- 
ded us in the holy scriptures, form the holy christian church 
which has the promise ; the true children of God, brothers and 
sisters of Christ ; for they are born with him of one Father, 
(John 1; Heb. 2,) the new Eve, the pure chaste bride. (Heb. 
12 ; 2 Cor. 6.) Flesh of Christ's flesh, and bone of his bone, 
(Eph 5,) the spiritual house of Israel, the spiritual city, Jeru- 
salem, temple and Mount Zion, (Heb. 9) the spiritual ark of the 
Lord, in which are hidden the true bread of heaven, Christ 
Jesus ; and his blessed word, the green blossoming rod of faith, 
and spiritual tables of stone, with the commands of the Lord 
written thereon ; they are the spiritual seed of Abraham, chil- 
dren of the promise, confederates of God's covenant, partakers 
of the heavenly blessings." 

These regenerated have a spiritual king over them, who rules 
them by the unbroken sceptre of his mouth, namely, with his Holy 
Spirit and word, he clothes them with the garment of right- 
eousness, of pure white silk ; he refreshes them with the living 
water of his Holy Spirit, and feeds them with the bread of life. 
His name is Christ Jesus. They are the children of peace, who 
have beaten their swords into plough-shares, and their spears 
into pruning hooks, and know of no war ; and give to Caesar 
the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are 
God's. (Isa. 2 ; Mich. 4; Matt. 22.) Their sword is the sword 
of the spirit, which they hold in a good conscience through the 
Holy Ghost. Their marriage is that of one man and one woman, 
according to God's ordinance. Their kingdom is the kingdom 
of grace, here in hope, and after this is eternal life. (Eph. 6 ; 
Heb. 4 ; Kev. 2, 19 ; 2 Esp. 13 ; Gen. 1 ; Matt. 19, 25 ; 1 Cor. 
7 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Tit. 1 ; Liike 12, 13 ; Rom. 8.) 

Their citizenship is in heaven ; and they use the creatures 
below, such as eating, drinking, clothing and dwelling with 
thanksgiving, and that to the necessary wants of their own lives, 
and to the service of their neighbor, according to the word of 
the Lord. (Isa. 58 ; Tob. 4, 14; Matt. 25 ; Luke 6 ; Rom. 12:) 
Their doctrine is the unadulterated word of God, testified 
through Moses and the prophets, through Christ and the apos- 
tles, upon which they built their faith, and save their souls, 
(James 1) and every thing that is contrary thereto, they con- 
sider accursed. (Gal. 1.) They use and administer their baptism 
on believing, according to the command of the Lord, and ac- 
cording to the doctrines and usages of the apostles. (Matt. 28; 
Mark 16 ; Acts 2, 8, 10, 16, 19, &c. 

Their Lord's supper they celebrate in remembrance of the 
22* 



258 THE NEW BIRTH. 

Lord's favors and his death, (Matt. 26 ; Mark 14 ; Luke 22 ; 
1 Cor. 11,) and in reminding one another of true and brotherly 
love. (1 Cor. 10.) 

The ban and separation extend to all the proud scorners, 
great and small, rich and poor, without any respect to person, 
who heard and obeyed the word for a season, but fell off again 
and in the house of the Lord, teach or live offensively, till 
they again sincerely repent. (Rom, 16 ; Tit. 3 ; 1 Cor. 5 ; 2 
Thes. 2.) 

They daily sigh and lament over their poor displeasing, evil 
flesh, over the manifold errors and faults of their weak lives. 
They war inwardly and outwardly without ceasing. They sigh 
and call to the Most High ; fight and struggle against the devil, 
world and flesh during their lives, press on to/wards the prize of 
the high calling that they may obtain it. (Phil. 3,) And they 
prove by their actions that they believe the word of the Lord, 
that they know and have Christ in power, that they are born of 
God and have God as their Father. (John 1 ; Eph. 2.) 

Behold, worthy reader, as I said before, so say I again. These 
are the christians who have the promise and are assured by the 
spirit of God, to whom are given and bestowed Christ Jesus, 
with all his merits, righteousness, intercessions, word, cross, 
suffering, flesh, blood, death, resurrection, kingdom, and all his 
possessions, and this all without merit, out of pure grace from 
God. But what kind of doctrine, faith, life, regeneration, bap- 
tism, supper, ban and divine service, sectarian churches have, 
of whatever name ; and what kind of reward is promised them 
in the scriptures, I will let the reasonable meditate on, with the 
aid of the Lord's spirit and word. 

Here I would call on all the high and mighty lords, princes 
and rulers, all under the canopy of heaven, also on all the popes, 
cardinals and bishops, together with all the wise and learned, 
who from the beginning perverted and darkened the scriptures, 
to show us one single word in the whole Bible, I say in the 
Bible ; (for we do not regard human fables and lies) that an un- 
believing, refractory, sensual man, without true repentance and 
regeneration, was ever or ever will be saved, simply because he 
boasts of faith and the death of Christ, or heard the masses and 
service of the priests, as the whole world does ; if so, they shall 
have gained the point. But this never was and never will be ; 
for if such vile men could be saved without repentance and re- 
generation, by hearing masses, and confessing, as they, poor 
children, without the warrant of the scripture, hope; then we 
might of a truth say, that the aforementioned means were 
stronger, (though they are idolatrous) than the word of the 
Lord. Fo/ the word knows no mass, but says : That the im- 



THE NEW BIRTH. 259 

penitent shall die in their sins. (Luke 13.) Then would also 
Moses and the prophets, Christ and his apostles, have been 
false witnesses, and have miserably deceived us, because they 
directed us upon such a narrow path. 

Ah no ! friends, no ! Beware, I tell you, God will not deceive 
you. For he says through the prophet Malachi 3 : For I am 
the Lord, I change not. All that he has testified us in his holy 
word through his prophets, through Christ and his apostles, is 
his eternal, immutable will ; on this we may all rely if we wish 
not to deceive our souls. In short, all is in vain to counsel and 
advise. True repentance and the birth from above, must take 
place ; we must believe Christ and his word, and we must abide 
by his word, spirit, ordinance and example, or eternal misery 
must be our portion — this is incontrovertible. 

Therefore, I admonish and entreat you, as those whom my 
soul loves, repent ! repent ! ! I say, and delay not ; for the axe 
is already laid to the root of the trees, and that which does not 
bring forth fruit, is cut off and cast into the fire. (Matt. 3.) 
Watch over your poor souls, being bought with a precious price, 
and be no longer comforted with open lies, nor be fed upon chaff; 
for behold, I tell you, there is nothing under heaven that can, 
or will eternally stand before God, but the new creature, (Luke 
15 ; Gal. 6,) and faith which ivories by love, (Gal. 5,) and the 
keeping of the commandments. (1 Cor. 7.) 

My faithful reader, do not only believe me, but believe the 
word, to which, by the grace of God, I directed you with my 
small talents ; for as true as the Lord liveth : All who teach 
otherwise than we have shown from the word of the Lord, who- 
ever they be, are prophets, who deceive you, who place pillows 
under your arms, and cushions under your heads ; who white- 
wash the wall with delusions, and speak peace to the wicked, 
but not out of the mouth of the Lord, (Jer. 14, 23 ; Ezek. 13.) 
For as certain as it is that the penitent and regenerated are the 
true christians, who have obtained God's truth, the true light, 
pardon of their sins, and the sure promise of eternal life, so cer- 
tain also is it, that the sensual and impenitent are false chris- 
tians, and have serpentine lies, darkness, propensity for sin, and 
the certain promise of eternal death. This will eternally be 
found to be true ; of this his word is to me a true witness ; and 
of this I am confidently assured through his grace. 

Now, perhaps, some may answer us : Our belief is, that Christ 
is the Son of God, that his word is truth, and that he purchased 
us with his death and blood, and that we were regenerated in 
baptism and received the Holy Ghost, and therefore, we are the 
true church and community of Christ. 

We reply : If your faith is as you say, why do you not the 



260 THE NEW BIRTH. 

things which he has commanded you in his word ? His command 
is: Reform — Be ye converted — Keep the commandments. 
(Matt. 18, 19; Mark 1.) And it is evident that you are be- 
coming worse daily ; that unrighteousness is your father, and 
ivicJceolness your mother, and the expressed command of the 
Lord is foolishness and derision to you. Since you will not do 
as he commands, or would have you do, but you act as you 
choose, it proves sufficiently that you do not believe that Jesus 
Christ is the Son of God, though you say so. Nor do you be- 
lieve that his word is truth; for faith and its fruits are insepa- 
rable, this you have all to confess by the grace of God. O, you 
poor, blind men ! be silent and blush — let Christ Jesus with his 
spirit and word be your teacher and example — your way and 
your mirror. Do you think it will do to only acknowledge 
Christ according to the flesh ? Or if you but say that you believe 
on him and are baptized — that you are christians, and you that 
are purchased with Christ's death and blood? Ah no! I told 
you often, and tell you again, you must be born of God — in your 
life you must be so converted and changed that you become 
new creatures in Christ, that Christ be in you, and you in Christ, 
or you can never be christians ; For he that is in Christ is a 
new creature. (2 Cor. 5.) 

If you believe rightly in Christ, as you boast, then manifest it 
by your lives that you believe ; For the righteous live by faith, 
as the scriptures say. (Hab. 2 ; Rom. 1 ; Gal. 3 ; Heb. 10.) And 
that this is all true has been fully testified and shown by the 
works of Abel, Enoch and Noah, Abraham, Isaac,- Jacob and 
Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, David, Matthias, Zac- 
cheus, Magdalene and Paul, and all the pious children of God, 
who were from the beginning and to this day. But as you con- 
duct yourselves in your faith, and as you are minded, may be 
more than plainly seen by your prevalent lies, fraud, avarjce, 
hoarding up, cursing, swearing, pride and wantonness ; for your 
hearts burn in unrighteousness ; you fear neither God nor his 
word ; nevertheless, you boast that you believe on Christ, have 
his word, and that you are christians, &c. I repeat it : Reform, 
or hold your peace and be ashamed. 

Further, you imagine that you were regenerated in your bap- 
tism and received the Holy Ghost. Faithful reader, remember, 
if it even had been so, as you say, still you have to acknowledge 
that your regeneration then took place without hearing the 
word, without the faith and knowledge of Christ, and without 
knowledge and understanding ; and besides, that the aforemen- 
tioned birth and the received spirit are altogether without 
operation, wisdom, power or fruit; yea, are vain and dead in 
you ; for that you live neither after the spirit nor in the power 



THE NEW BIRTH. 261 

of the new birth, is evident from your gross avarice, drunken- 
ness, pride, wantonness, and the idolatrous, sensual lives, of 
which those baptized among you are my witnesses. Yea, my 
friends, if you were born of God in your baptism, and had re- 
ceived the Holy Ghost, as your comforters persuade and assure 
you, then it could not be otherwise than that the new spiritual 
life and its fruits would also be manifest, as it was the case with 
the saints from the beginning, and is yet; for it is more than 
clear, that the regenerated do not presumptuously live in sin, 
but through faith, in true repentance, by baptism, are buried 
into the death of Christ, and also arise with him to a new life, 
(Rom. 6,) and those who have the spirit of the Lord, bring 
forth also the fruits of the spirit. (Gal. 5.) But that you do not 
bury your sins, but serve them in full power, and also bring not 
forth the fruits of the spirit, is daily testified by your vain, sen- 
sual, abominable life. My friends, out of true love I warn you 
to awaken and observe what the word of the Lord teaches ; for 
the spirit of the Lord will not dwell in a wicked soul, nor in a 
body subjected to sin. (Wis. 1.) 

In the second place, I tell you : If you are rightly baptized 
according to the word of the Lord, as you imagine, then you 
have put on Christ, (Gal. 3,) and live no longer after Adam's 
inbred evil nature, but after Christ's regenerated good nature, 
&c. But since this is not the case with you, but you are yet 
altogether sensual and earthly, as is evident from all your fruits, 
hence it is clear that you are not regenerated, baptized chris- 
tians, but impenitent, sensual pagans, for your works are chiefly 
done after a heathen will, as we may see and hear. Once more, 
I say: awaken and hear what the word of the Lord says: For 
if you have put on Christ, that is, if Christ.be in you, the body 
is dead because of sin : but the spirit is life because of right- 
eousness. (Rom. 8.) 

In the third place, I tell you : if you are rightly baptized 
according to the word of the Lord, then you are members and 
joint heirs of the body of Christ, (1 Cor. 12,) and have the evi- 
dence of a good conscience before God. (1 Pet. 3.) Inasmuch 
as a body is never divided in itself, nor hates its members, or 
does them harm, but one member serves and assists another; 
and since it is evident, and is indeed found to be so with you, 
that you unmercifully persecute, murder and exterminate the. 
chosen members of Christ, who are of your own flesh and blood, 
whom he purchased by his death, regenerated by his word, en- 
dowed with his spirit, and has chosen as his own people ; and 
besides they seek no help nor comfort of human institutions, 
but solely adhere with a pure faith to the Lord's grace, right- 
eousness, prayer, merits, death and blood ; and you depend 



262 THE NEW BIRTH. 

upon and comfort yourselves with the priest's and monk's 
masses, confession, absolution, holy water, bread, wine, oil and 
vigils ; so the works themselves testify that you are not service- 
able members of the aforementioned body, but are much more 
destroyers and defilers. That you have not a firm, joyful, peace- 
able and good conscience, but a wavering, damning, restless and 
evil conscience before God ; for all unrighteousness is esteemed 
as abomination by the consciences of the pious ; but we see that 
it is to your conscience great consolation, because you neither 
have nor know Christ. My friends, beware, you are miserably 
deceived by your comforters. The spirit of prophesy says : And 
unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write : These things say 
the first and the last, which was dead and is alive — I know the 
blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not : but 
are of the synagogue of satan. (Rev. 2.) Well may it be said at 
the present time to all the great and specious sects : I kaow 
the great defamations, and see the wicked lives of those who 
say they are regenerated, baptized christians, and are not, but 
are satan's synagogue ; for I know not how they could do 
worse. 

But if we come to the chief and mighty rulers, there we find 
pride and wantonness, dancing, whoring, chasing, stabbing, 
breaking, fighting, destroying of cities and countries — living 
after the lusts of their hearts. 

If we come to the subordinate officers, there we find insatiable 
avarice, treachery and roguery, cunning devices to defraud the 
helpless God-fearing, (the good and pious I do not mean,) they 
take gifts and presents ; the right of the righteous they pervert 
and willingly accept of gifts to shed innocent blood ; they per- 
secute the truth ; they reject what is right and good ; the fear 
of God is not before their eyes. 

If we come to the divines whether preachers, priests or monks, 
there we find such an idle, lazy, wanton and sensual life, such a 
corrupted, anti-christian doctrine, and understanding of the 
scriptures ; such hatred, envy, defaming, betraying, lying and 
uproar against all the pious, that I would be ashamed to men- 
tion it before the virtuous. — The common people run, as a 
frantic heifer, as the prophet laments. (Hos. 4.) They lie and 
cheat, curse and swear by the Lord's wounds and sacraments, 
by his judgment, hand, power, might, suffering, death and blood. 
I am ashamed and astonished that I have to think of these scan- 
dalous abominations. They gamble, drink and wrestle, wrangle 
and quarrel. In short, their prevalent, horrible, cruel and 
wicked lives are not to be related, and their great folly cannot 
be prevented; yet it must be said; that the mentioned lords, 
.udges, learned and common people, are the truly regenerated 
j 



THE NEW BIRTH. 263 

church and baptized community of Christ. May the merciful 
Lord graciously preserve all his chosen children from such a re- 
generation, baptism and community. Amen. 

I testify to you the truth in Christ Jesus, take heed, if you 
please : Jesus Christ did not endure from the beginning such 
openly impenitent, sensual sinners in his holy city, kingdom and 
community, and he will never endure them — believe this to be 
true. 

Almighty God and Lord, how miserably thy holy and pa- 
ternal will and thy adorably great name are derided, and how 
little is thy saving, precious word esteemed : yea, what an 
abominable, idolatrous, sensual, revengeful and blood-thirsty 
devil is made of thy beloved Son ; for they cover all their abomi- 
nations, sins and disgraces with his blessed, holy name, word, 
death and blood. 

Be ashamed, you heedless, perverted men, be ashamed, I 
say, before God and his angels that you are so rebellious and 
refractory ; that you live so rudely. But yet you say that you 
are the rightly regenerated community and baptized church of 
Christ. Oft have I told you, and tell you again ; all who are 
born of God, rightly baptized with the spirit, fire and water, as 
the scriptures teach, are of a heavenly and divine mind ; their 
sins they bury, lead a penitent, pious life according to the Lord's 
word. They show the nature and power of Christ which dwells 
in them by word and work; they bring forth the fruits of the 
spirit, and subdue the works of the flesh ; they are useful mem- 
bers of the body of Christ, and labor according to the gift re- 
ceived. In short, they are fruitful branches of the true vine, 
and their fruits abide to eternal life. (John 15.) 

But since it is manifest in you, that you show the reverse in 
all your fruits, and we do see in your whole lives, that it is but 
word and flesh with you, hence it is more than clear, that your 
boasting of the new birth, spirit, baptism, community and church, 
is not the truth ; but lies and falsehood. 

The holy scriptures and our common belief, teach us that the 
holy christian church is an assembly of the righteous, and a 
community of saints ; and he that can see but partially into the 
scriptures, must confess that your church and assembly are a 
church and assembly of the unrighteous, of the lascivious, of the 
impenitent and sensual ; yea, of the blood-thirsty wolves, lions, 
bears, basalisks, serpents, and fiery, flying dragons. 

Ah ! friends, lift your heads, and open your eyes ? ye be- 
witched ! look over the whole world, what life they lead who 
have received the same baptism with you ; who practise like 
ordinances and worships, who indulge in the same boasting of 
the Lord's death and blood, and say that they are the church 



264 THE NEW BIRTH. 

and people of Christ. For it is clearer than mid-day, that many 
of you are so insane, so influenced by the spirit of the devil, that 
you hate, envy, bite and devour one another ; so that you wholly 
destroy principalities, cities, castles and citadels with your ac- 
cursed fightings and uproar; human blood you shed like water; 
deprive the poor citizen and peasant (those of your own faith) 
of body and possessions by burning, robbing, plundering, catch- 
ing, imposition, torturing, nay even those who have never harmed 
you, or given you a rash word. In truth, I know not, how the 
infernal Behemoth could be more devilish and cruel than you or 
your members, who imagine that they are the church of Christ. 
God preserve us ! You disgrace families, you persecute the 
righteous ; you encourage open brothels, tippling houses, boxing 
schools, gaming boards, and the like disgraces, idolatrous houses 
and images, with all false service and the like, without measure 
and bounds. I will not touch your intolerable, scandalous 
cursing and swearing, drunkenness, wantonness, &c. I cannot 
say much, I tremble; for it strikes me that none is to be found 
under the canopy of heaven, who can minutely relate your be- 
lief, and baptized persons' great abominations, wicked acts, mis- 
usages, gross scandals; a righteous person must be astounded, 
and terror stricken at those great sins. dear Lord strengthen 
us ! Yea, he that does not rightly understand that you are not 
born from above, but are baptized contrary to all scripture, and 
that all your boasting of the forgiveness of sins, Christ's mercy, 
grace, merits, flesh, blood, cross, death, community, kingdom 
and eternal promise, is vain, and without the scriptures, he must 
be, we may say, an irrational man. 

Ah, readers ! How little you think upon the word of the Lord, 
which is so highly recommended to you ; and how little you re- 
gard your poor souls, which are bought with such a precious 
price, and are eternally to live with God in heaven, or eternally 
to be dying with the devil in hell. Think you, my friends, that 
the Lord is a dreamer, or his word is false ? Ah, no ! not a 
letter will fall to the ground of all that he spoke. It is high 
time that you would reflect that God's promise and grace are not 
to the unregenerated and impenitent, but to the regenerated 
and penitent. Let every one take warning and trust no longer 
in lies, believing that he is baptized and regenerated, nor trust 
to long standing usages, nor upon papistic decretals, nor im- 
perial mandates, nor upon the wisdom and glossaries of the 
learned, nor upon the opinion of any man, council, institution 
and wisdom. God says through the prophet: My counsel shall 
stand, and I will do all my pleasure. God's word is eternal. 
Neither princes, nor power, nor the commands of men with all 
their imperial edicts can save, a single soul. (Isa. 29, 40, 46; 1 



THE NEW BIRTH. 265 

Pet. 1 ; Matt. 25.) Only the heavenly counsel we must hear 
and follow — that which Jesus Christ, God's true and only begot- 
ten Son himself brought from heaven, and taught from the mouth 
of his Father, and confirmed by signs and wonders, and finally 
sealed it with his crimson blood. This counsel stands, I say, 
and can never be changed or prevailed against by the gates of 
hell. By this counsel we are in common taught, that we must 
hear Christ — believe on him — follow his footsteps — that we 
must repent — be born from above — become like little children, 
not in understanding, but in malice — be of the same mind with 
Christ — that we have to walk as he did — deny ourselves, take 
up his cross and follow him — that if we love father and .mother, 
children or life more than him, we are not worthy of him, nor 
are we his disciples. Again, that adulterers, whoremongers, 
drunkards, murderers, idolaters and the like, shall not inherit 
the kingdom of God. That we love not the world and the things 
therein — nor conform to the world — that we through faith are 
to die unto our evil flesh, and conquer the devil — that we are to 
lead an upright, unblamable, pious life through faith in all things, 
act according to the will of the Lord. Again, that we are to 
baptize upon faith and not without it — celebrate the Lord's sup- 
per in a sincerely penitent communion, I mean so far as man 
can judge. That we practise exclusion or the ban according to 
the scriptures. That we are to fear and serve the Lord with all 
the heart, and walk in his commands — and that we are to assist 
and serve our neighbor as much as in us is, and the like doctrine 
and instruction. (John 3, 8, 13; Matt. 5, 7, 10, 11, 16, 19, 22, 
28 ; 1 John 1, 2, 5 ; Luke 13, 14, 18, 22, 24 ; 1 Cor. 5, 6, 11 ; 
Gal. 5 ; Eom. 12, 16 ; 1 Pet. 2, 3, 5 ; Phil. 12 ; Mark 16, 24 ; 
Tit. 3 ; 2 Thes. 3 ; Deut. 5, 10 ; John 14 ; Isa. 28 ; Lev. 19.) 

Behold, worthy reader, here you have in part the immutable, 
eternal council of God, which was sealed in the councils of his 
Majesty, and besides this, he recognizes no other. Blessed are 
they who receive this with a firm faith, and conform thereto ac- 
cording to their abilities, in all weakness ; that is, live accord- 
ing to Christ's spirit, word, ordinance, command, prohibition 
and unblamable example. On the contrary, cursed are they 
who despise, reject, curse, hate, defame, mock and persecute it, 
and comfort themselves with human power, institutions and 
fables. For they deny the Lord who bought them, and reject 
the gospel of peace ; and do not believe that Jesus Christ is 
their Messiah, Saviour, High Priest* and Prophet. (2 Pet. 2.) 
Ah ! how well for them if they had never been born. The Lord 
mercifully grant them converted and renewed hearts, that they 
may repent and be eternally saved, if it is possible. 

I will now close the matter and direct the well-meaning reader 
23 



266 AN EXHORTATION TO THE DISPERSED 

to the scriptures ; since the whole word, with few exceptions, 
is built upon human doctrine, lies, invented fables, perverted 
glossaries, vain idolatry and false service, by which the people 
of the world comfort" themselves and boast of what they neither 
have nor are ; therefore did I very briefly show in this epistle 
according to my ability, who the truly regenerated and baptized 
christians are who have the promise, or who are not such ; so 
that all who truly hunger and thirst, who are zealous for God, 
may he rightly satisfied with the truth unto eternal salvation ; 
and no longer follow deceit to their eternal condemnation. Yea, 
that all may be benefitted, become whole and be saved — all 
who now stand so miserably poor and wretched before the eyes 
of the Lord. The Lord strengthen you — believe God's infallible 
word — reform your sinful lives, pray with confidence and be 
obedient to the gospel of Christ, that you may receive the eter- 
nal promise to your eternal joy and salvation, which God the 
Father promised to all his beloved children through Christ. 
Grace be with all who seek Christ and eternal life with all the 
heart. Amen. If you will suffer Jesus Christ, with his eternal 
spirit and word to be judge, then you will learn that the sure 
Foundation of Truth has been shown. 



AN EXHORTATION 

TO THE DISPERSED AND UNKNOWN CHIE- 
DREN OP GOD. 

To all the chosen children of God, dispersed here and there, 
to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, unknown to me, my beloved 
brethren and fellow believers to you be the kingdom and 
portion of Christ's grace and peace. 

Cordially beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, I in- 
form you with great joy that some brethren have written and 
informed me how the merciful, faithful Father endowed you 
with the heavenly gift of his divine knowledge, and enlightened 
you with his Holy Spirit, that your faith works by love, your 
hope is lively, and your union among each other, is christian-like, 
and that your peace is pleasant, and that the community of the 
Lord is increased and extended daily in great power and glory, 
through the grace of God. For this I thank his paternal kind- 
ness with joyful heart, and I pray his grace, inasmuch as he has 
called you to the fellowship of his beloved Son, and to the im- 
perishable, eternal kingdom of his glory through his holy gospel 



AND UNKNOWN CHILDREN OF GOD. 261 

that He may now and henceforth preserve you with the strong 
power of his divine arm, in your faith, love, doctrine, under- 
standing, truth and life, without any offence till the end. Faithful 
is he who has called you, (1 Thes. 5) and he will undoubtedly 
do it, if you only continue to be zealous in prayer, and unwaver- 
ing in your undertaking, never become sleepy nor slothful, nor 
at last return again, as did refractory and disobedient Israel to 
the flesh pots of Egypt. (Num. 11.) May the Lord eternally 
and graciously preserve us. Since, you are then called to such 
a high and glorious grace, as related, and we undoubtedly know 
our weak flesh, and the sinful nature which we possess from 
Adam which makes our whole heart and life unclean, and 
besides we learn from the scriptures, that our opponent, the 
devil goes about like a roaring lion, having rest neither day nor 
night, but always seeking that he might devour us. (1 Pet. 5.) 

I do, therefore, exhort "you as my fellow-combatants, against 
evil flesh, and the tents of death, that you may strictly watch 
over yourselves, that you circumcise, teach and sanctify your 
hearts with the spirit of God, (Deut. 10, 30 ;) exhort and reprove 
one another, curb your thoughts, subdue and extinguish your 
impure evil lusts, in the fear of the Lord ; for blessed are the pure 
in heart. Walk worthy of the Lord and his gospel to which 
you have come. Whatever God has commanded do it without 
murmuring ; (Jer. 4 ; Rom. 2 ; Eccl. 23 ; Matt. 5 ; Phil. 1 ;) act 
so that none of a truth may complain of you, be sincere children 
of God, unblamable in this crooked and perverse generation, 
and shine as lights in the midst of a dark night in this present 
evil world. (Phil. 1, 2,) 

Take the Lord Jesus Christ as an example, and follow his 
footsteps ; walk as he walked, therefore did Moses and all the 
prophets preach, (Matt. 11 ; John 13 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; 1 John 2 ;) 
to that end did the Son of God come down from heaven, sent 
out the holy apostles, and instituted baptism and the Lord's 
supper as the mouth of the Lord commanded, that we may 
thereby be admonished to awaken, to repent and lead an un- 
blamable pious life in all righteousness. Be ye holy, for I am 
holy, says the Lord ; Peter says : But ye are a chosen genera- 
tion, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people ; that 
ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out 
of darkness into his marvellous light. (Lev. 19 ; Exod. 19 ; 1 
Pet. 2 ; 2 Pet. 1 ; John 3.) You are guests called to the Lord's 
table, and have come to the marriage of the Lord ; ye are his 
chosen friends and bride, therefore hear his voice willingly, (Rev. 
19,) and whatever is pleasing to him do cheerfully. Adorn 
yourself with the shining garment of white linen, (Rev. 2,) be 
faithful unto death, and beware of all strange gods, (Ezek. 16,) 



268 AN EXHORTATION TO THE DISPERSED 

dedicate yourselves wholly uoto the Lord ; that he may <teach, 
reprove, govern and lead you with his spirit and word, and have 
his perfect work in you, for you are in his grace, and through his 
grace you are espoused unto him, bought with his blood, recon- 
ciled to the Fataer, sanctified as priests and kings, and made 
heirs of his eternal kingdom. (1 Cor, 6; Col. 1; Rev. 1, 5.) 
Therefore it is proper and right that we should be grateful to 
such a kind Lord, for such gifts; hear him, lay his word to 
heart and do what is well pleasing to him. 

Beloved children: Fear not, out be joyful; for he is such a 
faithful, pious king, to whom you have sworn and bowed your 
knees, not the least of his promises shall fail you, he will be our 
shield and great reward, (Gen. 15,) therefore, doubt and stagger 
not ; for it is but a small thing that we endure the heat of the 
sun, tribulation, fear, sorrow, temptation, robbing, persecution, 
prison and death for a time. The messenger is now at the door, 
who says to us : Come ye blessed of my Father, enter the joys 
of the Lord, (Matt. 25,) then will our short-lived pain be changed 
into ceaseless exultation ; these bloody tyrants, with their 
bloody mandates, will come to an end, and ail our persecutors, 
avengers, executioners and torturers will cease ; we will follow 
the Lamb, adorned in white garments, (Rev. 7 ; Esd. 2,) with 
palms in our hands and crowns upon our head ; neither torment 
nor pain, nor pangs of death will harm us, (Wis. 3 ;) but we will 
serve him who sits upon the throne, and praise and adore the 
Lamb eternally. 

Behold, my little children, all the truly believing pious hearts, 
comfort themselves with the approaching change, that they may 
possess their souls with patience ; well knowing that great is 
their reward in heaven, (Luke 21 ; Matt. 5,) and that, on the 
other hand all the ungodly shall have their portion in the eter- 
nal, unchangeable fire, under the intolerable and dreadful sen- 
tence of God, in the abyss of hell, if they do not be converted 
and repent with all their hearts. Wo ! wo ! ! to these wretched 
people ! for it was an evil day in which they were born ! ! — My 
little children be cheerful in Christ, and despair not, (Luke 21 ; 
Matt. 5,) for so long as we love God sincerely, seek and fear 
him ; and with a pure zeal walk in the truth. (Rev. 21, 22,) 
neither world nor flesh, neither tyranny nor devil, neither sin, 
hell, nor death shall hinder us ; but we will have for our aid, the 
victory, by the grace of God, gained by a firm faith in the blood 
of Christ, and this through the spirit of Christ which dwells in 
us. David says : By my God I can leap over a wall. (Ps. 18.) 
Paul says : I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens 
me. (Phil. 4.) Christ says : Be of good cheer I have over- 
come the world ; (John 16,) and thus will they overcome, who 



AND UNKNOWN CHILDREN OF GOD. 269 

-will abide in Christ, as we may not only see in the prophets and 
apostles, but also in many pious hearts at the present day, in 
great power and clearness. 

I have nothing particular any more, to write, therefore, 
beware that you walk wisely and circumspectly, (Eph. 2; Matt. 
22, 25.) preserve your wedding garment, have oil at all times 
in your lamp, lest the Lord meet you in an undue time, find 
you unprepared and in nudity, and close the door on you, or 
thrust you into deep darkness. 

With unfeigned, true, brotherly love, and out of a pure heart, 
love each other cordially, as those who are regenerated not of 
corrupt but of incorruptible seed, out of the word of the living 
God, which abides to eternity. (1 Pet. 1.) For love is of God 
and of a divine nature; (1 John 4;) love does right before God 
and man ; it is long-suffering, compassionate and peaceable. 
(1 Cor. 13 ; Rom. 13.) In short, love is unblamable and brings 
forth christian fruit ; it is the spiritual girdle of Aaron and his 
sons ; the girdle of perfection and the fair bond of peace. (Lev. 
28; Col. 3; Eph. 4.) how completely happy is he, who is 
girded with this bond, for he is born of God, and God is in him ; 
yea, where this love is, there we find the true, sincere and pious 
christian. Therefore, take care of this bond, (1 John 1,) for if 
you loose this, you will lose Christ Jesus and eternal life. 

Beware of false doctrine, of all discord, strife and dissention, 
and without wavering, adhere to Christ's spirit, word and ex- 
ample, if you would not be deceived ; for every spirit which is 
not satisfied with Christ's spirit, word and example, and will 
not conform -thereto, in his weakness, he is not out of God, but 
he is the spirit of antichrist, who would rob you again and all 
the pious of the precious light of revealed truth, (which gra- 
ciously appeared to us, poor children, in these abominable days,) 
and would again lead you on the crooked paths of death, under 
the semblance of the scriptures. 

My little children in Christ, be you warned, out of true, 
brotherly love, I write to you; the merciful, gracious God 
grant that you may read, hear, and understand it, that it may 
bring much fruit among you, and that you may abide in eternal 
life. Pray for your unknown brother, who loves you, in truth. 
He that continues to be perfect to the end, shall be saved. 
The saving power and fruits of the crimson blood of Christ, 
be with you, and with all my chosen brothers and sisters to 
eternity. Amen. 

23* 



CONSOLING ADMONITION 



CONCERNING THE 



SUFFERINGS, OPPRESSIONS 



PERSECUTIONS OF THE SAINTS, 



WORD OF GOD AND HIS TESTIMONY. 



Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manuer 
of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your 
reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. — ( Matt 5 .) 
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution.— (2 Tim. 2.) 

For other foundation can no man lay than that it is laid, which la Jesus Christ.— 
1 Cor. 3. 



PREFACE. 



I, Menno Simon, desire sincerely that all the true children of God 
may obtain grace, peace, frankness of heart, a perfect mind, in all 
temptations, from God onr heavenly Father, through his dear son, 
our Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of his holy spirit, to his eternal 
praise and glory, and to our edification and salvation. Amen. 

Beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, the all-merciful God and 
Father, through his boundless grace and goodness, has again, in these 
last times of unbelief, abominations and idolatry, in this terrible, 
wanton, ruthless, perverted and blood-thirsty world, revealed before 
the eyes of the consciences of some, his blessed, only, and eternal 
Son, Jesus Christ, who was unknown for so many centuries. He has 
again opened the book of the divine declarations and eternal truth, 
which had been closed for hundreds of years. (Gal. 3; Rev. 5; 2 
Kings, 22, 23.) Some of those who lay dead, not for four days only, 
as Lazarus did, according to the flesh, but for twenty or thirty years, 
yea, who all their life-long slumbered in the spiritual death of sin 
and all ungodliness, have awakened from the foul grave of unbelief 
and unrighteousness, and have been called to a new unblamable life. 
And through the preaching of his word, in the power of his holy 
spirit, he continues to callthe poor, miserable, starving sheep out of 
the hands of the faithless shepherds (Ezek. 34), and out of the 
clutches of the ravening wolves ; he leads them out of the dry, un- 
fruitful pastures of man's doctrine, and commands, to the green, fat 
pastures upon the mount of Israel, and places them under the power 
and protection of their only and eternal shepherd, Christ Jesus, who, 
through his precious, crimson blood has cleansed, purified and taken 
them for his own. (1 Pet. 1 ; Eph. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Tit. 2.) Therefore, 
the gates of hell foam and rage, they erect themselves and show 
themselves in all their horrors. Herod with the whole city is above 
measure frightened and enraged, because he has heard of the wise 
men (those who are taught of God) that the King of the Jews is 
born. (Matt. 2.) The great dragon, the old crooked serpent, who 
was cast from heaven, whose head and power has been bruised and 
broken by the promised seed of the woman, is overcome by the blood 
of the Lamb, and, on account of the word of his testimony, burns 
with anger. He knows well that his time is short, and therefore he 
carries on his works and tyranny, through his children and servants, 
the unbelievers, with great wrath and fierceness, against those who 
have been sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb. (Rev. 12 ; Gen. 3 ; 
Eph. 2; Eccl. 12; Matt. 16.) Annas and Caiaphas counsel to slay 
Christ. Judas and all false apostles and teachers betray and deliver 
him up. Herod, with all his lords and princes, scorn and mock him. 
The people cry out, crucify him ! crucify him ! (Matt. 26.) Pilate, 
and all those who bear the sword, sentence him to stocks, fire, sword 



274 PREFACE. 

and water. The servants seize, spit upon, scourge, crown and kill 
him. The centurion opens his side, the others mock, blaspheme and 
upbraid him. Who is there who does not persecute with heart, word 
or deed, the poor, innocent, peaceful, defenceless Lamb ? ■ Yea, with 
the ungodly Cain began the bloody tyranny which has manifested 
itself in oppressing the pious and godly. 

Thus the Lamb has been persecuted and belied from the beginning, 
in his chosen, by the malice of the conquered serpent ; and it appears 
from the scriptures that such will be the case, as long as the righteous 
and unrighteous exist upon earth. Particularly in our times it may 
be seen, that the cross of Christ is renewed in the pious children of 
God (as was the case with the fathers), who are inwardly born again 
out of the seed of the word of God. I cannot forbear to admonish 
with the word of God, my fellow believers and joint sufferers. The 
crosses and persecutions of the saints were shown in the scriptures 
to the fathers, both of the old and new testament, and now to the 
godly witnesses of our times, in order that after their example they 
may fearlessly and bravely stand the contest, with long-suffering, 
patience and willingness, through the power of their faith in Christ 
Jesus, and receive the promised Canaan. (Heb. 12 ; 1 John, 5 ; 2 
Tim. 4 ; James, 1.) For this purpose, grant to us, Father of every 
good and perfect gift, the riches of thy grace in the power of thy 
Spirit through thy dear son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

Blessed are they (said Christ) which are persecuted for right- 
eousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5.) 

I know well, worthy brethren and sisters in the Lord, that the 
true laborers and servants of the Lord, have each one planted 
and watered according to the gifts which they have received. 
(1 Cor. 3, 4.) They have caused you to be born again of the 
living word of the holy gospel of Jesus Christ, and to be built 
upon Christ the firm and immoveable corner stone. They have 
taught you the word, will and ordinances of God according to 
his good pleasure. They have united you as a willing, obedient 
and pure bride to your bridegroom, Christ Jesus. They go 
before you in all earnestness, in the narrow way — they preach 
the cross, and point out the pains and costs of this godly build- 
ing, for it can never be otherwise (as you well know) than that 
all who would hear and follow Christ, who would enter through 
the right door, and would walk upon the highway to eternal life 
in the light of Christ, must first deny themselves, and all they 
are with the whole heart. They must, in all misery, ignominy 
and trouble, take upon themselves the pressing cross, and must 
follow the rejected, outcast, bleeding and crucified Christ, as he 
himself said : If any man will come after me, let him deny him- 
self, and take up his cross and follow me. (Matt. 16.) Yes all 
who do not stand prepared to take up this grievous life of the 
cross and trouble, and hate not father and mother, son, daughter, 
husband and wife, houses, land, money, goods and life, cannot be 
Christ's disciples. (Luke 14.) 

My faithful brethren this is a true and sure word ; for the 
eternal truth, Christ Jesus, has in many places of the scriptures, 
pointed out and testified in great clearness : Behold, he says, I 
send you forth as sheep in the 4 midst of wolves: be ye therefore, 
wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men 
for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge 
you in their synagogues, and ye shall be brought before gov- 
ernors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and 
the gentiles. 

Again : The brother shall deliver up the brother to death ; 
and the father the child, and the children shall rise up against 
their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death, and ye 
shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 

Again : The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant 
above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his 



276 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

master and the servant as his lord. If they have called the 
master of the house, Beelzebub, how much more shall they call 
them of his household. 

Again: He that loveth father or mother more than me, is 
not worthy of me, and he that loveth son or daughter more than 
me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and 
followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his 
life shall lose it, and he that loseth bis life for my sake shall find 
it. (Matt. 10.) 

Again : Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and 
shall kill you : and ye shall be hated of all nations for my 
name's sake. (Matt. 24.) 

Again : They shall put you out of the synagogues : yea, the 
time cometh that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth 
God service. (John 15, 16; Matt. 16; Mark 8, 13; Luke 9, 
14,21.) 

Again : We must through much tribulation enter into the 
kingdom of God." (Acts 14.) All who live godly in Christ 
Jesus, must suffer persecutions. (2 Tim. 3.) If we be dead 
with him, we shall also live with him ; if we suffer, we shall also 
reign with him. (2 Tim. 2.) 

Yea, the whole scriptures abound with exhortatious examples, 
and histories of the troubles sorrows, miseries, proscriptions, 
upbraidings, rejections, seizures, ignominious death and crosses 
of the saints. 

Since then true righteousness, devotion and piety, are thus 
miserably hated, persecuted and cast out, as it has been abuu- 
dantly shewn in the case of the fathers, and as maybe seen and 
found in these last times, (as we have said) I deem it necessary 
to show from the word of the Lord, to our youthful brethren 
and sisters, who such persons are, who prosecute us, and inflict 
upon us this trouble and sorrow; wherefore they do so, where- 
with they maintain their bloody deeds for right ; what profit we 
receive from the cross, and what is promised to those, who, 
through the power of faith, overcome all temptations and ex- 
tremities, and maintain the conflict through Christ Jesus, in 
order that they, through such counsels, may be ready and 
prepared for all trials. That they may put on the breast-plate 
of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, with the shield of faith, 
and be girded with the sharp sword of the spirit in all humility 
and meekness, patience, (Eph. 6 ; 1 Thes. 5 ; 1 John 5,) with 
ardent prayers and sighs to the Lord, in order that when any 
swift, unseen uproar, shall arise against us, it shall not fall upon 
us unawares — that an unexpected storm shall not cast down 
our house — the heat of the sun shall not scorch the growing 
plant— the heat and power of the fire shall not consume the 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 277 

erected works, (Matt, 7; Matt, 23; Luke 8; L Cor. 3,) and that 
we be not drawn off and frightened to a deadly apostacy by their 
threats, uproar and tyranny. Therefore, my beloved, so read 
and understand in all love, for the Lord knows that out of pure 
love, I have written this for the benefit of my dear brethren, 
according to my received gifts. 

In the first place, dear brethren, I esteem it to be very use- 
ful and necessary to all the godly and the strivers under the 
cross of Christ, who seek for encouragement in their crosses and 
sufferings, which they endure for the sake of the testimony of 
God and their consciences, to think carefully and earnestly, 
upon those who persecute them, of what disposition and nature 
they are, upon what way they walk, and of what father, accord- 
ing to the spirit, they are born. All who carefally observe 
them, and try them by the scriptures, will find, according to my 
opinion, that they are not Christians, but are an unbelieving, 
fleshly, earthly, wanton, bliud, hardened, lying, idolatrous, per- 
verted, malicious, revengeful, unmerciful and murderous people. 
A people, who by their actions, show that they neither know 
Christ nor his Father, although they so highly praise his holy 
name with the mouth, and extol it with their lips. A people, 
who tread in slippery, crooked and perverted paths. A people 
who display not Christian love and peace, (John 16 ; Isa. 59 ; 
Eom. 3,) who bathe their hearts and hands in blood, — their dis- 
position is to seize and kill. (2 Pet. 2.) They are children and 
co-partners of him, who from the beginning was a murderer and 
a liar, (John 8,) of whom the whole scriptures testify, that they 
shall bear forever, the intolerable curse and malediction of the 
righteous judgment of God, and the devouring flames of hell, 
except they awake from the deep sleep of their sins, cordially 
repent, believe the joyous Gospel of Jesus Christ, and put on 
Christ, and thus show by their whole lives and actions, that they 
seek their God with all their might, and fear and love him, be 
they emperors or kings, doctors or licentiates, citizen or peasant, 
man or wife : For with God, says Paul, there is no respect of 
persons, but whoever committeth sin, he shall bear the sin. 
(Col. a.) 

Worthy and faithful brethren in the Lord, observe what a 
poor miserable and unwise people, in divine things it is, who so 
bitterly persecute and destroy you on account of your faith. 
Therefore, it becomes all the true and chosen children of God, 
how severely soever they may be dealt with, and belied by these 
people, not to be angry with them, but cordially to pity them, 
and sigh sorely over their poor souls, and with all meekness and 
ardency, after the example of Christ and Stephen, to pray for 
their raging, cursed folly and blindness, for they know not what 

24 



278 OF THE CROSS OP CHRIST. 

they do. Who knows but that God may give them eyes and 
hearts, that they may see and know their blindness and unbe- 
lief, what an impure life they lead, what kind of people they 
persecute, and whom they have pierced. 

dear brethren ! observe and think well upon your own for- 
mer life, we have all in former times served one Lord, were 
attired in the same habit, as has been said. But what we now 
are, we are not of ourselves, but of God, by grace, through 
Christ Jesus. The mighty God, who, according to his great 
mercy, has called us out of our accursed darkness into his mar- 
vellous light, (2 Pet. 2,) lives forever, his ears are not stopped, 
nor his hand shortened, (Isa. 59,) he can undoubtedly hear and 
help them as he helped us. And if they never repent, but con- 
tinue with impenitent perverted hearts, in all ungodliness, blood, 
wantonness and tyranny, we know what the scriptures testify 
concerning them ; that they shall not inherit the kingdom of 
heaven, (Rom. 1 ; 2 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; but their part 
will be in the fiery lake which burns with fire and brimstone, 
(Rev. 21,) and the fire will be everlasting, (Matt. 25.) 

Each one, who reflects that his persecutors are so wholly 
blind and destitute of understanding, concerning what the 
Spirit directs, as above said, and that their lot shall be like that 
of the angels of the bottomless pit — the intolerable wrath of 
God, death and hell, which shall last forever, and also that 
the sufferings which we have to endure from them for the testi- 
mony of Jesus, are but momentary, will through grace, by this 
means, preserve his heart pure from all wrath, malice and retal- 
iation, and will ardently pray for them ; he will commend his 
affairs to God in all humility, long-suffering, and peace, will pre- 
serve his spirit unbroken, amid prisons, fire and water. 

Again, I deem it a soft and mild salve, and a cooling to our 
miseries and grief, if we but reflect upon the only reason why our 
persecutors so malevolently hate us, and so relentlessly destroy 
our name, property, reputation, welfare and lives, which is, be- 
cause the grace of God, through Christ, has enlightened us, (1 
Pet. 4,) because we have believed the preached Gospel, and 
have ceased from our blind, ruthless life and deadly works, be- 
cause we desire, in our weakness, to follow in the fear and love 
of God, after the righteousness of faith which is required by 
God, and in obedience to the holy word, because we acknow- 
ledge the ever blessed Jesus alone for our redeemer, mediator, 
intercessor, spiritual king, example, shepherd, infallible teacher 
and master, (Matt. 18, 20; 1 John 2; Rom. 8; 1 Tim. 2; 
Heb. 6, 7; 1 Tim. 6; Matt. 11; John 13; Matt. 13;) be- 
cause we, as far as concerns spirit and faith, try and prove all 
spirits, doctrines, councils, ordinances, statutes and ceremonies 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 279 

of Christ, and esteem, with the scriptures, the commands and 
ceremonies of men, which make void the commands and cere- 
monies of God, as not only useless, but accursed and idolatrous, 
because we regard and honor God more than man, we hold in 
exaltation his high, holy, true and precious word ; because we 
according to the scriptures, listen not to the unclean, unsound, 
idolatrous, deceiving and blood-thirsty preachers, Matt. 10 ; 
Jer. 13 ; Matt. 7, 15 ; John 10 ; Rom. 16 ; 2 John 1 ;) because 
we admonish and set an example in all love, as far as we are 
able, to the whole world, with the word and sacraments of God, 
and with humble, meek lives, (though in weakness,) according 
to our abilities ; and we rebuke and shame, (though always for 
their good,) their deceiving doctrine, idolatrous sacrament and 
their wanton, earthly, fleshly life. (Wis. 5.) In short, we set 
forth to them, the sure and infallible truth of God, and the way 
of eternal life, and warn and alarm them, with doctrine and life, 
with eternal death and the wrath of God. 

Behold my faithful brethren, it is for these reasons here enu- 
merated ; the world lies, writes, calls, preaches and so malicious 
are the persecutors against all the pious, they burn with such 
inhuman rage, that the ravening fierce wolves (John 8,) and 
roaring lions, when compared with them, cease to be wolves 
and lions, but seem to be lambs. For they are so moved by 
the inflamed, blood-thirsty spirit of their father, that they re- 
gard neither the law of God and Christ, (which is love) nor rea- 
son and discretion, nor the inwardly written law of nature, by 
which one honest man should reasonably, according to the good 
pleasure of God, meet, bear, admonish and serve auother in all 
love. Yea, oft times the natural father delivers the son up to 
death, and the son his father ; the mother the daughter, and 
the daughter her mother ; and one brother another on account 
of their faith, as said. (Matt. 10.) 

Behold thus haughty and malicious, they assume, without any 
awe or fear, the umpire of God and the office of the Ghost. 
They banish Christ Jesus, the head of all princes and powers, 
who has all might in heaven and upon earth, from the throne 
of his divine majesty, ^Eph. 1 ; Col. 2; Matt. 28 ;) and judge 
also, with their iron sword, after their own blind opinions, the 
chosen, godfearing, pious hearts, enlightened in God, through 
Jesus Christ, over whom no literal sword may ever judge, for 
they are spiritual, and from their inmost soul are zealous for 
God and his holy word, even till death. 

Behold, so malicious and haughty, (I say,) is human reason 
and so revengeful and envious is satanic hatred, that they fear 
not to strive against the Most High, and pierce Christ with 
their murderous, deadly sword, and persecute with all their 



2S0 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

power, God's holy spirit, gifts, word, truth and all that he com- 
mands and will have us do. 

that God would grant that the blind watchmen (Ezek. 33) 
of this world, I mean the preachers and theologians, may sound 
their horns to a right tone and at a proper time, or that they 
would let them hang on the walls, in order that they may not 
therewith, tyrannically call out the deadly, murder cry, nor 
longer deceive the sensual, blind world, nor instigate the rulers 
and magistracy to the destruction and murdering of the saints 
like hounds pursuing the roe, nor cause the poor common peo- 
ple to be alarmed on account of their leaven and husks, their 
spiritual theft and murder, (Matt. 15; Luke 15; John 10;) 
also that all rulers and magistrates would tear the bridle from 
their mouths, and cast their instigators from their backs, and 
not suffer themselves to be thus driven like dumb beasts, and 
then, according (to my opinion,) it will be well for their poor 
souls before God. Still, I fear that the lying, murderous ser- 
pent, will continue its envious bitings, and the striving woman — 
the new Eve and her children, must endure to the end, in all 
patience and long-suffering, its daily bites and stings in the 
heel. 

Since 1 have here pointed out to you, in a few words, the 
spirit and nature of those who destroy you and seek your pro- 
perty and your life, and the reasons which impel them to do so ; 
1 will now present some histories and examples from the holy 
scriptures, for the comfort and encouragement of all miserable, 
afflicted, and the troubled hearts who suffer for righteousness 
sake, and in these examples all will be perceived with clearness. 

First, the two sons of Adam and Eve were Cain and Abel. 
Abel was a shepherd and Cain a farmer. In process of time it 
happened (says Moses) that Cain brought an offering to the 
Lord from the fruits of the field, and Abel brought one from 
the first of his flock. And the Lord regarded Abel and his 
sacrifice but be looked not upon Cain and his gift, therefore, 
Cain became very angry, and his countenance was distorted 
through great wrath, even as the ungodly always do, because 
the .Lord regards the pious and their gifts. Cain spoke deceit- 
fully to Abel, who knew not the malicious bloody heart of his 
brother, saying, " Let us go out" and when they were in the 
field, Cain's hot, envious spirit could not longer be restrained, 
and his blood-thirsty, revengeful spirit could not be hid. That 
which lays concealed in the heart must break out in the actions ; 
he arose against his brother and in anger murdered him, be- 
cause Cain was of the evil one and his works were evil, and his 
brother's works were righteous. (1 John 3.) 

It seems to me, dear brethren, that this is a fair example and 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 281 

a good admonition ; for the righteous always have been off- 
scourings and preys to the unrighteous, and so will they con- 
tinue to be as the scriptures sufficiently testify, and as daily 
experience plainly teaches. 

Again : God blessed the patriarch Isaac, and gave him two 
sons. The elder was Esau, and the younger, Jacob. Esau 
was a farmer and hunter, and had great pleasure in the chase. 
Once as he came home much fatigued, he sold his birthright to 
Jacob his brother, for some food. (Gen. 15.) 

After this it happened, that Jacob through the artifice and 
craft of his mother, obtained the blessing of his father Isaac, 
by assuming the name and appearance of Esau. (Rom. 9.) 
This was God's intention and will to remember the literal syna- 
gogue and the church of Christ, according to his word to Re- 
becca ; namely, two nations are in thy womb, and two manner 
of people shall be separated from thy bowels, and the one peo- 
ple shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve 
the younger. 

When Esau was now aware of this, he wept bitterly and 
said : Rightly is he called Jacob, for he has supplanted me 
twice. Esau sought the blessing, but did not obtain it, for 
God willed it otherwise, as said above. 

Esau became very angry with his brother Jacob, on account 
of the blessing with which his father had blessed him. His mali- 
cious, bitter fierceness broke forth, and he said . The time will 
soon come, that my father will repent, for I will slay my brother. 
Then had the blessed Jacob to fly from his dear father and 
mother before his wrathful brother. He flew to a distant coun- 
try, and became a servant for twenty years in the house of 
Laban, who did not deal with him according to equity and 
love. He dared not again enter the land of his birth, till the 
Lord said to him : Go again to thy native land and 1 will be 
with thee. (Gen. 31.) 

My dear brethren, observe ; for like as the patriarch Jacob, 
on account of his external birthright and blessing, was hated 
and persecuted by his sensual fierce brother Esau, thus also it 
is at the present day, with all those who after the spirit are 
called after the name of Jacob, (namely, true Christians,) who, 
in the power of the Holy Ghost, through the medium of faith, 
tread upon the devil, world, flesh, and blood, they obtain the 
birthrights which are written in heaven, and are blessed through 
our true Isaac, Christ Jesus, with spiritual blessings in heavenly 
things, to eternal glory. (Heb. 12; Eph. 1.) They are mali- 
ciously hated and persecuted to death by their carnal and licen- 
tious brethren, they must flee from one land to another, from 
one city to another, (Matt. 10,) with great misery, hunger and 

24* 



282 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

distress, in prison and in bonds, with stripes, water, tire and 
sword, all the days of their lives. (Heb. 11.) 

Thus tyranizes the fleshly Esau over the spiritual Jacob, on 
account of the spiritual birthright and blessing, although they 
both are born of the same father Adam, from one mother Eve, 
and are created after the image of God. 

Saul, the first king of Israel, on account of his thoughts and 
disobedience, was rejected by the Lord (1 Sam. 15,) and David 
the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, was according to the com- 
mand of God, taken from the sheep, and anointed by Samuel 
in his stead, yet he did not assume the government during the life 
of Saul. The Lord was with David, and strengthened his hands. 
He did great works in the name of the Lord ; he released the 
stolen sheep out of the mouth of the lion and bear ; he slew the 
terrible great Goliah ; he subdued two hundred of the uncircum- 
cised of the Philistines. He acted in all things prudently, right 
and valiantly; for the Lord was with him. (1 Sam. 17, 18.) It 
happened when Saul returned from the slaughter of the Phil- 
istines, and the women of all the cities of Isreal came to meet 
the king, singing and rejoicing with all manner of stringed in- 
strument and tambours, speaking joyfully one to another, Saul 
hath slain his thousands, but David his tens of thousands. This 
enraged Saul more, and displeased him. He said : They have 
given David ten thousand and me but a thousand ! what else 
does he want but the kingdom. And from that day forth David 
had no favour with Saul, for Saul sought for his life secretly 
and openly, with great assiduity and craft, though Saul well 
knew the godly David and that the Lord was with him ; still 
his heart burned with such ill-will, envy, revenge and blood 
thirst, that when David had escaped, the good Abimelech and 
the Lord's priests with the whole city Nob must die and be laid 
in ruins for David's sake. (2 Sam. 22.) 

He regarded, neither the piety nor kindness, fidelity nor 
well-doing of David towards him and towards all Israel, nor the 
grace, works and will of God, but became unmindful and drunken 
in his wrath and envy, so that the enemies and betrayers of 
David (1 Sam. 23) as Doeg, the Indiumean and the Ziphites 
were highly regarded and honored by him, but the peace makers 
and those who advised for good, as his son Jonathan were hated 
by him, and held as suspicious (1 Kings 20) In short, David 
must take to flight, and for some years fly from one land to an- 
other, from one wilderness to another (1 Sam. 22, 24, 25, 28,) 
till Saul was overcome by the Philistines upon Mount Gilboa, 
when through vain despair and impatience he thrust the sword, 
which he had borne against the righteous and innocent, into his 
heart, and thus took his own life. (Sam. 31.) 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 283 

Thus the almighty Lord and potentate of all things, punishes 
the haughty, blood-thirsty tyrants, each one in his time, who 
bear the sword of their office against God and his chosen, as 
may be seen here of Sanl and elsewhere of Pharaoh, of Antio- 
chus, of Ahab, of Jezebel, of Herod and others. (Ec. 24 ; 2 
Mar. 6 ; 1 Kings 22 ; 2 Kings 9 ; Acts 12.) On the other hand 
he can guard his chosen, and help them out of all difficulties, how 
hard so ever they may be pressed. This he has shown in the 
deliverance of Israel when he led them through the Red Sea, and 
in preserving David, Helia, Heliseo, Daniel in the Lion's den, 
and the three young men in the fiery furnace (Exod. .14; 1 Sam. 
23 ; 2 Sam. 17, 19 ; 2 Kings 6 ; Dan. 3, 6,) and in many other 
instances. 

Here we have again a clear example in Saul's conduct to- 
wards David, of the proud self-willed and carnal princes (although 
they wish to be called christian princes, and gracious Lords) 
who with vengeance go forth against the true David, Christ 
Jesus, and against all his saints, whom he has anointed with 
the Holy Ghost. Who have power with him from high to over- 
come the terrible infernal bears, lions and Goliahs, hell, sin, 
death, the devil, malediction and the wrath of God, yet they re- 
ceive no peace from the perfidious Saul, no matter how innocent 
and pious they may be With the princes no piety, innocence, 
prayers, tears, word or Christ, avail. But as Saul did with 
David, they prevent and construe all to the worst. This has 
ever been the case, and according to my opinion, will ever so 
continue. 

Still my brethern, fear ye not, for all your persecutors and 
enemies become old like agarment(Ps. 102 ; Isa. 51,) how mighty, 
glorious and great they may be esteemed, for all flesh is as grass, 
and all the glory of the flesh is as the flower of the grass. (Ira. 
40; 1 Pet 2.) But ye shall flourish and increase in God, and 
your fruit shall never more decay, for the kingdom of Jerusa- 
lem is given to you, and the glorious Lord will have honor in 
you (though Saul rages) and will give to you the eternal king- 
dom, which he prepared and set apart everlastingly for you, and 
all the chosen. 

Again : Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, (Jer. 2) a priest of the 
priests of Anathoth, was sanctified from his mothers womb, 
and was chosen of God to be a prophet and a seer from his 
youth. (Jer. 3, 4, 5. 6, 7, 8.) He rebuked Judah and Benjamin 
on account of their disobedience, stubbornness, idolatry and 
bloodshed. He taught repentance and reformation : he prophe- 
sied of the promised Messiah, whom he called the Branch and 
Plant of David, (Jer. 23, 33.) He preached the coming pun- 
ishment and wrath of God, namely, the captivity and destruc- 



234 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

tion of the kings, the wasting of the city and temple, and the 
captivity of the people for seven years. (Jer. 22, 23, 32.) 

And these, his prophesies, faithful warnings, visions and 
rebukes from the Lord's mouth, became to him as sharp, piercing 
thorns, for they cast his word and admonitions aside, and would 
not hear them. The pious prophets and true servants of God 
must be regarded as betrayers, factionists and heretics. The 
Lord's word was to him as a daily mockery. He was oft-times 
imprisoned and scourged, and thrown into a foul pit. They 
counselled concerning his death. (Jer. 26, 37, 12, 20, 26, 37, 38, 
11, 18.) He was so pressed with the cross, that he once resolved 
in his heart, to preach no more in the name of the Lord, yea, 
he cursed the day of his birth, and the man who brought the mes- 
sage to his father, that a man child was born. (Jer. 20.) He had 
to yield his ear to all reproaches, and his back to scourging, till 
the floods of trouble burst upon the hardened rebellious people, 
but alas ! they saw too late, that Jeremiah was a right messen- 
ger, and a true prophet of God. 

My dear brethren in the Lord, here will I end the narratives 
from the Old Testament, for time will not suffice to relate all. 
The pious Joseph was grievously hated by his brethren, and by 
them was cast into a pit and again drawn out, and sold to the 
Ishmaelites, and was complained against as a perfidious adul- 
terer, by the unchaste wife of his lord. Though he was innocent, 
yet must he suffer his lord's wrath, imprisonment and bonds. 
The high renowned evangelical prophet Isaiah, under the tyr- 
anny of the bloody and idolatrous Manaseh, was sawed asunder 
with a wooden saw, as the historian mentions. The spiritual 
prophet Ezekiel, was stoned by those who remained of Dan and 
Gad. Urias of Kirjatharinn, was slain with the sword by Jehoi- 
akim the king of Judah. Zacharias the son of Barachias, was 
stoned between the temple and the altar. The great wonder- 
doing prophet Elijah, must retreat before the blood-thirsty and 
idolatrous Jezebel, the three youths, Shadrach, Meshach and 
Abednego, were cast into the glowing furnace, and Daniel into 
the lion's den, (1 Sam. 12; Dan. 3, 6.) The venerable, pious, 
old Eleazser, (2 Mac. 6, 7,) and his worthy, pious wife, with their 
seven sons, were so inhumanly and barbarously treated by the 
terrible Antiochus — they were murdered, martyred and des- 
troyed. 

Brethren, each christian must consider that this is the only 
reward and crown of this world, with which they reward all true 
servants of God, who present to them in pure love, the king- 
dom, word, and will of God ; who call to repentance and refor- 
mation; direct to salvation, righteousness, truth, piety and 
love ; (Gen. 37,) who are the golden candlesticks in the taber- 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 285 

uacle of the Lord, and flourish and blossom as the fruitful olive 
tree in the house of God. (Ps. 51.) All who reflect on these 
and similar histories and narratives of the pious men of God, 
will undoubtedly aot despond, but in all their miseries, crosses 
and sufferings, stand through the grace of God, and abide un- 
wavering till the end. 

Since I have now presented some histories out of the holy 
scriptures, by which it will be seen that righteous have suffered 
and been persecuted, both before the law and during the law, I 
will now, through the grace of God, present some examples out 
of the New Testament, by which all may learn, and acknow- 
ledge with Paul : That all who live godly in Christ Jesus must 
suffer persecution. (2 Tim. 3.) 

First. John the Baptist, (John 1,) a man sent of God, as the 
Evangelist testifies ; a burning and shining light as Christ 
says, and of whom Isaiah had prophesied a long time before, 
saying : The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the 
Way of the Lord and make his paths straight, (Isaiah 40 ; Matt. 
3,) whom Malachi called the messenger of the Lord, (Matt. 3.) 
His birth, greatness, holiness, office, doctrines and works were 
made known to Zacharias, his father, by Gabriel, the heavenly 
messenger, John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his 
mother's womb. (John 1.) He preached repentance to all Judea. 
He pointed out Christ, the Savior of the world, and said: Be- 
hold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the whole 
world; (Matt 11 ; Luke 7.) of whom the son of God himself 
gave testimony, that he was no wavering reed, that he was not 
clothed in soft raiment, that he was greater than a prophet, that 
he was the promised Elias, that he came in the way of right- 
eousness, and among all that were born of women, there had not 
arisen a greater than he ; he was also held by the people as a 
prophet, (Matt. 11, 21,) yet did they say : He hath a devil, yea, 
Herod, the king, cast him forth as a profligate vagrant, and 
after some days, the head of this holy man of God was cut off 
by the executioner, as a shameful transgressor, on account of 
his rebuking Herod's incest, (Matt. 14; Mark 6,) and besides, 
it was given as a present to an idle, proud, dancing maid, and 
an unchaste adulterous woman. 

Lord! how lamentably and grievously the righteous are 
destroyed on account of their piety, by this bloody, murderous 
world, and no one takes it to heart. Yea, they are so dealt with, 
that it appears before the eyes of the unwise as if the godly were 
an offence and an abomination, and were outlawed and cursed 
of God, and that they might neither hope for nor find, to all 
eternity, comfort or grace from God. no ! the Lord be 
blessed ; although their lives may appear to the foolish world to 



286 . OP THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

be but idle phrensy, and their end to be without honor, yet do 
we know that they are the people and children of the Lord, 
and the apple of his eye, that their blood and death are dear to 
him, (1 Cor. 4; Wis. 5; Zach. 2; Ps. 113; Wis, 3; Matt. 5,) 
that after a little suffering and trouble they shall be recom- 
pensed with good ; that theirs is the kingdom of heaven ; that 
they will not be touched with the pains of ths second death. 
(Wis. 3,) but their precious souls shall be in eternal rest and 
peace. Yes, my brethren, every christian may trust and rejoice 
in the Lord in all his trials and in all his need. 

Again, Stephen, the crowned of God, a man full of faith, 
power and the Holy Ghost, who did great signs and wonders 
among the people, as Luke writes, and was endowed of God with 
such wisdom and spirit, according to the promises of Christ, 
(Luke 21,) that also his enemies, namely, the Libertines, Cyre- 
nians and Alexandrians were silent, and stood abashed before 
him. (Acts 6.) As they saw this, the spirit of their fathers dis- 
played itself as it had done from the beginning, consuming envy 
must use its artifices; Stephen must lead the way: they have 
rejected justice and equity ; the men of Belial they employed to 
belie the pious Stephen, and say: We have heard him speak 
blasphemous words against Moses and against God ; and we 
have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy 
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered 
us; thus the serpents lies overcome justice. They counsel to 
exterminate and root out the saints. His own enemies saw his 
countenance, as the countenance of an angel. (Acts 6.) He 
spake the Lord's word without fear ; he rebuked the false trust 
in the law and the temple ; he testified of Jesus Christ in great 
power, of whom Moses and all the prophets prophesied. At 
length he grew very warm and ardent in his speech to the mul- 
titude, because they had ungratefully rejected the merciful visi- 
tation of God in his proffered race. Oh ye stiff-necked! he said, 
and you uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the 
Holy Ghost : as your fathers did, so also do ye. Which of the 
prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have 
slain them which shewed before of the coming of the just One ; 
of whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers ; who 
have received the law through the dispositions of angels, and 
have not kept it. And when they heard these things, they were 
cut to the heart, and gnashed on him with their teeth. But 
Stephen being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly 
into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on 
the right hand of God, and said : I see the heaven opened and 
the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7.) 
Then they called aloud and stopped their ears, and as if they 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 287 

could not longer endure the blasphemous words with which the 
wicked heretic (as they considered him) boasted, and with which 
he gave such honor to Christ ; they rushed upon him with one 
accord and with great vehemence and wrath, cast him out of 
the city, and stoned him ; and Saul kept the witnesses' clothing. 
Stephen called out, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. He kneeled 
down and cried with a loud voice (after the example of his mas- 
ter on the cross,) Lord lay not this sin to their charge ; for they 
know not what they do, (Luke 23.) And thus the pious martyr 
fell asleep in the Lord, and received the crown of life which God 
promised to all those who fear him from the heart, with all sin- 
cerity, and love and seek him. (James 1 ; 2 Tim. 4.) 

! god-fearing reader, observe and learn to know by such 
examples, that all those who believe the word of the Lord with 
true hearts, who become partakers of the Holy Ghost, who are 
clothed with power from on high, (Tit. 1 ; Acts 9,) out of whose 
mouth flow grace and wisdom, who shame the world and rebuke 
sin, (Acts 14; 1 Tit. 2; 2 Tim. 1; Gal. 1,) they must, with 
Stephen, be cast out of the city and stoned with stones. 

Dear brethren, pray ardently and prepare yourselves, (1 Cor. 
2,) through much misery and trouble must you enter into the 
kingdom of heaven. (Acts 14.) Here is the patience and faith 
of the saints, (Rev. 13,) my brethren, observe. 

Again, Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus 
Christ, a chosen vessel, a champion of the holy word, an apostle 
and teacher of the Gentiles, who was not called by men, but of 
God himself, from heaven, to the service of the gospel, was 
powerful and zealous in his teaching, and unblamable in his life. 
He labored more than all the other apostles. (Acts 16, 20.) He 
cast out devils in the Lord's name, awakened the dead Euty- 
chus again to life, restored health to the sick, he shook off the 
serpent without receiving injury. (Acts 28; 2 Tim. 4, 3.) As a 
true prophet, he foretold many things which were to come to pass 
in the last times ; was taken up into the third heaven and to the 
paradise of God, and saw such vision as no man might with 
propriety speak of. (2 Cor. 12.) He was an infallible leader in 
all righteousness, holiness, piety and virtue, (1 Cor. 12,) who 
sought and loved not himself, but God and his neighbor from 
-the whole heart, (Phil. 3, 4; 2 Thes. 3,) he had nothing by 
which to justify himself, he regarded all gain as loss, that he 
might win Christ alone, (1 Cor. 4,) yes, he dare not speak of 
any thing, but what Christ had wrought through him, (Phil. 3 ; 
Bom. 15.) It availed not how holy, how unblamable, how zeal- 
ous, how high called, how powerful or how devout he was, yet 
must he, with Simon, the Cyrenian, help to bear the cross of 
Christ. (Matt. 27 ; Acts 9.) For as soon as he was called from 



288 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

heaven, taught and baptized by Ananias, and had left off his 
tyranny, and had preached Christ in Damascus, he had to be let 
down over the wall in a basket to escape the snares of the blood- 
thirsty. 

He was often imprisoned; thrice scourged with rods, stoned 
once, (2 Cor. 11,) in Ephesus he was cast to wild beasts, (1 Cor. 
15,) and at last, after inconceivable and innumerable pains and 
journeys from one land to another, after enduring much from 
nakedness, cold, heat, thirst, hunger, labor, watchings, dangers 
and anguish, he was seized by the Jews at Jerusalem, (Acts 21,) 
they accursed him before the judges, swore to take his life, 
secured him in Ceasarea, and after his appeal to Csesar, he ar- 
rived with much danger and shipwreck at Eome, (Acts 23, 27, 
28 ;) he stood before the emperor, and at last, under Nero, (the 
most blood-thirsty of tyrants,) was put to death by the sword. 
He offered up his soul and surrendered his life. 

In like manner were the apostles imprisoned and scourged 
in Jerusalem ; the church was dispersed and persecuted, and 
James was put to death under Herod. (Acts 5, 8, 12.) All 
who desire to become acquainted with other narratives besides 
those here noticed, from the holy scriptures, can read Eusebius's 
church history, there will they find similar inhuman abomina- 
tions, tyranny, unmerciful ness and falsehood against the inno- 
cent. Besides such new invented sins to punish, martyr, root 
out and murder the Christians, that even a natural man, I say, 
not a spiritual, must fear and be astonished, as one may see at 
the end of this Treatise. 

My most beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, trust ye in the 
Lord, you who willingly submit to the cross of Christ. For 
you may see and observe from the scriptures, in the above ex- 
amples from the Old and New Testaments, how all pious men 
and children of God, all the righteous and prophets, all apostles 
and true witnesses of Christ, yea, Christ himself, (as we shall 
yet hear,) have gone through this lonesome wilderness, through 
this narrow, ignominious and bloody way of misery, crosses 
and sufferings, to the true promised land, and to eternal glory. 
(Matt. 7.) 

Yea, this is the only narrow and straight way, and door 
through which we all must enter, neither can we ever desire in 
any other way to enter with the saints into eternal life, rest and 
peace, as Christ himself said. (Matt. 16.) Whosoever will fol- 
low after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow 
me. Therefore, dear brethren, you who have sought, feared 
and loved the Lord, must suffer and bear much from this wicked 
and idolatrous race. (Matt. 10; Luke 12.) Fear not those who 
take from you your earthly goods ; for Christ and heaven they 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 289 

cannot take from you, or those who kill the body, for they can- 
not kill your soul, but fear him who has power to cast your soul 
and body eternally into hell. (Matt. 10.) Yes, my brethren, 
would you be the Lord's people and disciples, so must you also 
bear the cross of Christ. This is, without doubt, the truth. 

We have set forth to the reader several excellent histories 
out of the scriptures, in which are represented the tyrannical 
mind, the envious heart, the wolfish rage, the murdering deeds 
of this miserable, brutal, murderous and blood-thirsty world, 
against the righteous. We shall now, through the grace of 
God, notice, for a short time, not only how the servants, of 
whom we have spoken, suffered, but also how the Lord and 
Prince himself had to endure much, and again enter into his 
glory. (Luke 14.) 

The apostles testify abundantly how that the Lamb of God, 
Christ Jesus, the true head of all true believers, (Rev. 13,) had 
not only suffered from the beginning, as above said, but that he 
must suffer in these last times, although he was the conqueror 
of the servant, was promised to Adam and Eve; a blessing 
and benediction to all people, the true Shiloh, Messiah and 
Emanuel, the true plant of David, the Lord who justifies us, 
the Prince of Peace, and thp true Son of the living God, whom 
all the true prophets desired. (Gen. 46, 16 ; Isa. 7. 9 ; Jer. 23, 
33 ; Matt. 16.) 

When he had now become man, according to the promise of 
the fathers, he preached repentance and regeneration in the full 
power of the spirit, in all love, righteousness, peace, humility 
and obedience ; the rigid, terrible judgment of God over the im- 
penitent; and also the eternal kingdom, eternal grace and 
mercy, the cordial favor and love of his heavenly father over 
the penitent. (Rom. 9; John 13; Matt. 12.) He himself was 
that Word, fulfilling all righteousness, blessed of God forever, 
the infallible Example, the eternal Wisdom, Love and Truth, 
the brightness of the divine glory, the express image of his 
Father, (John 14 ; Heb. 1,) after whom Adam was created ac- 
cording to the inner man, the eternal power of God, the almighty 
Word of God, through whom all things were created, (Gen. 1,) 
and are governed, and in whom all things stand. He knew no 
sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth ; he is the true light 
of eternal life, (John 1 ; Col. 1 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; John 1, 3, 8, 12,) and 
by the darkness, which is the world, he is hated, blasphemed, 
rejected and despised, as the most degraded of men. (Isa. 53.) 
The king of kings, the Lord of lords, became poorer than the 
foxes or the birds; for he had not where to. rest his blessed 
head. (Matt. 8 ; Luke 9.) On the day of his birth, he found no 
place in the inn — the manger was his couch. Even shortly 

25 



290 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

after his birth r his parents had to fly with him to the land of 
Egypt. (Matt. 2.) 

And although in the time of his ministry he made the blind 
see, and the deaf hear, the dumb speak, the leprous he cleansed, 
the palsied and feeble he made sound, he cast out devils, restored 
the dead, twice he fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes, 
(Matt. 8,' 10, 12, M, 15; Luke 11, 18,) and showed to them the 
works and service of pure love. None would rebuke him in his 
word or his life, (John* 6, 10,) yet, their bloody, envious hearts 
burned towards him, so that they desired that the wicked mur- 
derer, Barabbas, (Luke 23) who was adjudged to death by the 
law, should live, an*d that the eternal Life itself — the Creator 
and Upholder of all creatures, should die. His pure, heavenly 
body, the seat of all virtue, is scourged and abused, the glorious 
countenance and head of all honor is disfigured with blood, spit 
and thorns. (Mark 15 ; John 14 ^ 1 John 5.) They also mocked 
him with a ludicrous garment, so that even the heathen judge, 
Pilate, pitying r said: ''Behold the man ! n (John 19.) Yea, 
worthy brethren, it avails nothing, no pain nor torture, no 
misery was enough: they would not be satisfied, till he was 
taken away and condemned to the most shameful death, and ex- 
tended upon the cross, and his bands and feet were nailed to the 
wood, and his side was pierced with a spear. He was crucified 
as a prince and leader of the vicious, and reckoned among 
murderers. Thus they requited him for his incomprehensibly 
great love and beneficence, and in his great bitter thirst in the 
last hour of his sufferings, he could not obtain a drop of cold 
water, but they gave him vinegar and gall. In short, they 
treated him so that he cried with a loud voice to his Father : 
My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me? (Matt. 27.) 
He also laments through the prophet : I am a worm and no 
man, a disgrace among men, a reprobate among the people. 
He might well sigh and lament with Jeremiah or Jerusalem : 
all ye who pass over, see if there be any sorrow like my sorrow. 
(Sam. 1.) Thus he, who was eternally rich, for our sakes became 
poor ; (2 Cor. 3 ;. Phil. 2,) the eternal glory was dishonored, the 
eternal righteousness was persecuted, the eternal truth was 
blasphemed, the eternal happiness was rejected, the eternal 
blessing was cursed, and the eternal life was made to suffer a 
shameful death. (Gal. 3.) 

Most beloved brethren in the Lord, observe well, the laborers 
have not spared their Lord's Son, but have cast him out of the 
vineyard and have slain him, how much more shall they destroy 
the servants. (Matt. 21.) For they have called the master of 
the house, Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of 
his household. (Matt. 10.) Christ said, if they have persecuted 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 291 

me, so will they also persecute you. And further, if the world 
hate you, then shall ye also know that it also hated me before ; 
for the disciple is not greater than* his master, nor the servant 
than his lord; but it is enough for the disciple to be like his 
master, and the servant to be like his lord. (John 15 ; Matt. 
10; John 13.) 

I hope, worthy brethren, that here, from these examples, the 
pious may learn what kind of a people it is, from what father 
they are born, and by what spirit they are moved — who from 
the beginning till the present day, have rejected and persecuted 
Christ, the holy Lamb of God and his people : and according to 
my understanding of the scriptures, this tyranny shall not cease 
till the rejected, murdered and crucified Jesus, as an almighty 
potentate, conqueror and glorious king, with all his saints, shall 
appear in the clouds before all the tribes and people on the last 
judgment. (John 8; Rev. 13.) 

Since then the, terrible tyranny of this blind world, has always 
thus, in blindness, been laid upon the necks of the children of 
God, and so will continue to be laid to the end. Besides, there 
is no other way to life, than this narrow, rough and thorny way 
of the cross. I mean according to the flesh, for after the spirit 
it is broad and easy. (Matt. 7.) The scriptures say: Have 
your feet shod with the gospel of peace, with the precious pro- 
mises of God, with the pure knowledge of Christ, with the denial 
of yourselves, with the patience and faith of the saints, and with 
the sure hope upon the kingdom of God. (Eph. 6 ; Rev. 13 ; 
Rom. 8.) Let not the hard, sharpened thorns of persecutions, 
with which all the pious are persecuted, terrify you so as to 
drive you to the soft broad way of the flesh. (Heb. 12 ; Rom. 13.) 
Lay aside all things which hinder you — the besetting sin, the 
cursed works of darkness, useless cares, avarice, pride, haughti- 
ness, and all that is perishable, all drunkenness and luxury, all 
idolatry and idleness, all uncircumcised fleshly words, and all 
manner of wickedness, in order that you may not be overcome, 
and turned aside from the narrow way to the way of death, as 
alas, is too frequently the case in these days. 

Therefore, my dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, take the 
crucified Jesus as your example and also all the servants of 
God, — the apostles and prophets, and learn to know of them ; — 
they entered this narrow path and left all behind. For they 
prepared their hearts and were endowed and drawn of God, 
that they knew nothing, sought nothing, loved nothing, and 
desired nothing else than eternal and heavenly blessings, the 
unchangeable things — God and eternal life. Thus they were 
grounded in ardent love, and became firm and immovable, so 
that they could not be affrighted from the love of Christ, neither 



292 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

by life nor death, neither by angel, prince nor potentate, neither 
by hunger nor sword, neither by martyrdom, pain nor ease. 
(Kom. 8.) Their thoughts and words, their acts and sufferings, 
their life and death, were Christ's. (John 19.) They sought 
not their kingdom and rest upon earth, for they were spiritual 
and heavenly-minded. All their fruit was righteousness, light 
and truth. Their whole lives were pure love, charity, chastity, 
humility, obedience and peace. The changeable wicked world 
with all its evil works, was to them an offence and abomination. 
They loved their God with all their soul and, therefore, they 
rebuked all that was against his glory, will and holy word. 
They loved their neighbors as themselves, and therefore, they 
admonished and rebuked them in love, served them, pointed out 
and taught them God's pure will, word and truth, and sought 
their salvation with all their power, with great loss of life and 
reputation, therefore has the foolish, envious unthankful world, 
which swims in blood so grievously hated them and rewarded 
them with death. (Matt. 5 ; I Cor. 4.) 

My dear brethren, it was not only the prophets, apostles and 
those of former times, to whom these things happened, which 
the scriptures relate, but we, ourselves, may in these times wit- 
ness the like with our own eyes. How many pious children of 
God have we kuown in the space of a few years, and we yet 
know some, (the Lord be praised,) who sought Jesus Christ and 
the eternal unchangeable life, and continue so to seek, who fear 
God from their inmost soul, their hearts burn with the word 
and love of the Lord, out of their mouths flowed power, spirit 
and wisdom. Their whole life was repentance and piety — they 
hated, shunned and rebuked all ungodliness. None could re- 
prove their conduct with the word of God ; they were opposed 
to the world's idle, fleshly, ungodly life, as they yet are, and by 
the grace of God will continue to be. They listen not to the 
deceiving prophets. (Jer. 23.) They confide not their precious 
souls to the care of the spiritual thieves and murderers. (John 
10.) They serve not the wooden, stone and silver gods. They 
do not use the unscriptural, earthly sacraments, &c. In short, 
because they heard, believed, feared, served and loved the true 
living God, therefore, did the lying serpent open its mouth and 
spew out so many false, inhuman lies into the face of the pious, 
and depict them in such horrible colors, through their blind 
disciples, that the whole world fears them as abominable ; yes, 
every one, who can slander and defame the christian, is the 
world's favorite preacher and esteemed teacher. 

No lie is so gross and disgraceful, that they dare not bring it 
against the godly. At one time they accuse and upbraid us, as 
though we wished to invade cities and countries ; they say : that 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 293 

we will injure the whole world — now we are adulterers — again, 
thieves and murderers ; now, say they, we say there is no repen- 
tance left to the sinner; again, we have rejected Christ and the 
Testament. In short, whosoever does not defame and upbraid 
the godly, is not considered by the world as a christian ! O 
Lord, how pure and free are all the saints in heart and con- 
science before God of all these lies and slanders. 

And these unchristian lies are not enough for the world, but 
they who know Christ, and would gladly live after his word, 
must endure something harder ; they must meet with severer 
persecution, as we may witness with our own eyes, for how 
many pious children of God, have they in a few years deprived 
of their possessions, and caused their goods to be confiscated, 
for the testimony of God and their conscience sake. How many 
have they betrayed, how many have they driven out of city and 
country, and put them to the stocks and torture ; the poor orphans 
and children are left naked in the streets ; some have they hanged, 
some they punished with inhuman tyranny, they afterwards 
choked them with cords on stocks and pillars ; some they roasted 
and burned alive ; some with their own reeking bowels in their 
hands, powerfully confessed the word of God. Some they slew 
with the sword and gave them as food to the fowls of the air ; 
some they cast forth to the wild beasts, some have their houses 
torn down, some have been cast into the muddy bogs, some have 
had their feet cut off, one of whom I have seen and conversed with. 
Others wander about here and there, in hunger and affliction, in 
mountains, holes and caves of the earth, as Paul says : They 
must fly with their small children and their wives, from one 
country to another, from one city to another. (Matt. 10.) They 
are hated, upbraided and belied by all men, and spoken against 
in the pulpit and the councils, (Matt. 5 ;) they have deprived 
them of food — have driven them forth in the cold winter, and 
point at them with the finger of scorn, yea, whoever can slander 
a poor oppressed christian, supposes he has done God some 
service, as Christ said. (John 16.) 

Observe, dear brethren, how far the whole world is from God 
and his word, how swift their feet are to shed blood, how mali- 
ciously they hate the light, (Isa. 52 ; Horn. 3 ; John 3,) and how 
bitterly they persecute the eternal truth — the immaculate gos- 
pel of Jesus Christ, the pious godly life of the saints. This is 
not only done by the papists and Turks, but by those who boast 
of the holy word, who preached much concerning faith, that 
faith was the gift of God, (Eph. 2,) that it must not be forced 
with the iron sword, but with the word, into the hearts of men, 
for it is a willing assent of the heart. 

But the learned, within the last few vears, have suppressed 
25* 



294 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

this doctrine, and as it appears to me, have effaced it from their 
books, for lately they draw unto their sensual doctrine, lords, 
princes, cities and countries ; they have preached the contrary 
from what they did formerly, as is evident from their writings. 
By their seditious writings and preachings they deliver into the 
hands of executioners, many pious hearts, who gainsay, reprove 
and admonish them, by the clear word of God and the gospel, 
and point out to them the true ground of the gospel, which is 
powerful, active faith, which works by love, a penitent new life, 
obedience to God and Christ, and the true evangelical ordi- 
nances of baptism, Lord's supper and Separation, as Christ 
himself instituted and commanded, and his holy apostles prac- 
ticed and taught. (Gal. 5 ; Matt. 26, 28 ; Mark 14, 16 ; Luke 
22; 1 Cor. 5, 10; 2 Thess. 3.) 

Yea, all who do this out of pure love, must be accursed as 
anabaptists, factionists, deceivers and heretics, all the pious 
may expect this, nevertheless, they still want to be called the 
christian community, and be esteemed the holy church, whether 
lords or princes, preachers or theologians. The common people, 
whether papists, Lutherans and Zuinglians, never take notice 
of their gross, ungodly, lazy and impenitent lives, that they are 
altogether earthly, sensual, and contrary to the word of God. 
There are some, from whose hands trickle the felood of chris- 
tians, and all their doings are diametrically opposed to the 
spirit, word, and example of Christ ! that these, blind, 
hardened ones would lay this well to heart, and examine well 
the true nature and spirit of Christianity! They would be 
ashamed before God, and cordially lament that they so miser- 
ably abuse his glorious name, his blessed word, his divine grace, 
his crimson, precious blood, of which they vainly boast, and 
thus make the name of Christ as a cover to all their wickedness 
and disgrace. 

For a truly believing christian is one that is born of God 
according to the spirit, has become a new creature in Christ, 
crucified his flesh with its lusts, and cordially hates the old, 
sinful life. (John 1 ; 2 Cor. 5 ; Gal. 5, 6 ; Rom. 12.) All his 
fruits are righteousness, patience, truth, obedience, humility, 
chastity, love, grace and peace; he is influenced by the spirit of 
the Lord, and his delight is in the law of the Lord, he meditates 
thereon by day and by night, all his words are seasoned by 
grace, he strives for the life which is from God. He fears God 
with all his soul. (Rome. 8 ; Ps. 1 ; Col. 4 ; Phil. 2.) In short, 
according to the grace received, he is of one mind with Christ. 

Could these only see that $ christian is thus minded, as rela- 
ted, that he is such an amiable person and child of (Jod ; and if 
they had the grace, they also would be thus minded, They 



OF THE GROSS OF CHRIST. 295 

would then hate none, but would be hated ; they would belie 
none, but they would be belied ; they would prejudge none, but 
would be prejudged ; they would betray' none, but be betrayed ; 
they would rob none, but be robbed ; they would not murder, 
but be murdered ; they would not devour the lamb, but be torn 
of wolves; not ensnare the dove, but be taken by the falconer 
and devoured. 

Are our persecutors christians, as they imagine ? Why are 
they then not of God and born of his word ? Why are they yet 
the old accursed creature, and live according to the lusts of the 
flesh ? Why are they influenced by the spirit of the devil ? And 
why have they fixed their thoughts and affections upon perish- 
able and temporal things, and are concerned therewith day and 
night? Why are they guilty of talking of all manner of un- 
chastity, vanity, lying, cursing and swearing ? Why do they not 
fear God and his word ? Why are they like the old deceitful 
serpent, and obedient to him ? And why are they still like 
terrible, ravenous beasts and birds of prey, instead of innocent 
lambs and doves, as the scriptures teach ? 

Ah ! dear brethren, let them boast as they will, Christ Jesus 
does not know such wicked and blood-thirsty christians. (Rom. 8.) 
He only. knows those having his spirit, who cordially believe and 
who are obedient to him; who are flesh of his flesh, and bone of 
his bone, (Matt. 5 ; Mark 8,) who are meek, humble, pious, holy 
and pure of heart, who confess Christ Jesus, in word and deed 
before this wicked world, who deny themselves a*nd take up the 
cross and follow him. (Matt. 16.) Who say with holy Paul. 
(Rom. 8.) Who shall separate us from the love of God? They 
glory in nothing but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by 
which they are dead to the world and the world unto them. 
(Gal. 6.) All who are thus minded, are the anointed of God and 
Christ, and not the impenitent, sensual, blood-thirsty boasters. 
Every one may be mindful of us, that this is true, else the whole 
scriptures are false. 

It appears to me, dear brethren, that the pious reader may 
fully understand from what has been>said, what kind of people 
these are, who so shamefully tread you with their feet, strike 
you, belie you, and deprive you of life and property. Why do 
they so? It is on account of your testimony of God and your 
consciences. Even as all from the beginning, who sought, feared 
and loved the Lord, and reproved the world, were esteemed as 
ofi-scourings and heretics. 

We will now proceed in the name of the Lord, and show with 
few words, what a feeble and unbecoming excuse our perse- 
cutors advance, (which before God is as stubble before fire,) 
wherejby they think to excuse themselves, that they are doing 



296 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

right to slander and abuse the pious ; for all sinners seek some 
excuse; and no matter, how disgracefully soever any one con- 
duct himself, he wishes not to be considered as wicked, but as a 
true christian ! 

In the first place, our persecutors accuse us as seditious, 
even as those of Munster are, that we are not subject to the 
magistracy. 

To which we reply, in the first place : That the Munsterites 
were seditious, and in many things acted contrary to the word 
of God. But we do not agree with them. For we are wholly 
opposed to, and disapprove of these seditious abominations, such 
as resisting the king, seeking for a kingdom, taking hold of the 
sword, polygamy, acting the hypocrite with the world and the 
like guilt ; we neither eat nor drink, nor have any communion 
with those who do such things, according to the doctrine of 
Christ and Paul, unless they cordially renounce their errors 
and become sound in the saving doctrine of Christ. (Matt. 28; 
ICor. 5; 2 John 1.) 

As the Papists and Lutherans are not a little divided, so we 
are more divided in our views, from the Munsterites and other 
sects which sprung from them. That this is the truth, we have 
shown by our writings, life, and oral testimony, before lords, 
princes and the whole world ; and it has been testified by the 
blood of many pious christians, which flowed like water, in many 
countries, for many years, to the present time. 

But we cannot help that the world will not believe this. 
Nevertheless, we testify that our hearts and consciences are 
pure and free before God, of all sedition, hatred, vengeance and 
thirst for blood; and we strive earnestly to live as much as 
possible, in peace with all men, according to the doctrine of 
Paul, (Rom. 12,) and if it is not possible for us to keep peace 
with them, still we do not desire to avenge ourselves, but we 
will commit it to him, who says : To me belongeth vengeance 
and recompense. (Deut. 34.) And we commit to him alone all 
our concerns, as Jeremiah and all the pious did from the begin- 
ning. (Jer. II.) 

In the second place, we reply : Why do they so indiscreetly 
accuse us of such sedition, since we are wholly innocent and 
clear, and they pay no attention to their own bloody, murdering 
uproar, which they, alas! commit without bounds? Lord ! 
how many principalities, cities and countries, have they de- 
stroyed and desolated ! how many houses have they fired ; how 
many hundred thousand have they murdered ! how many a poor 
innocent man have they robbed of his possessions and destroyed ! 
how many women and virgins did they disgrace ; what brutal 
and inhuman tyranny did they do and continue daily to practice 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 297 

— all this they do not notice — it must be said ; all is right and 
well done. Ah ! ! how well does this accord with the doctrine, 
nature and spirit of Christ!! (Matt. 28 ; 1 Cor. 14.) How 
badly this accords with the disposition of innocent children, 
whom christians must resemble in malice ; or defenceless lambs 
and innocent doves, to which the scriptures direct us. If the 
temporal magistracy have not the disposition and spirit of 
Christ, then must all acknowledge that they are not christians. 

I am well aware, that these tyrants, who boast themselves 
christians, justify their abominable warring, uproar and shed- 
ding of blood, by referring us to Moses, Joshua, &c. And do 
not reflect that Moses and his successors have served their day, 
and that Christ has now given us a new command and given 
us another stu or d. (Matt. 10; John 3; Eph. 6; Rom. 13.) I 
do not speak of the sword of the judge, for that is quite differ- 
ent ; but I speak respecting war and sedition. (2 Pet. 2.) And 
they do not reflect, that they bear the sword of war, contrary to 
the gospel, and that they bear it against their own brethren, 
namely, against their brethren of the faith, who have received 
the same baptism with them, and break the same bread with 
them, and are thus members of the same body. — Again, what 
strange, bloody uproar the Lutherans made for several years, to 
introduce their doctrine; yet have we, although innocently, to 
be called the seditious heretics and they, pious, peaceable 
christians ! Behold, thus lamentably is their understanding of 
the work darkened. Well then ! let them deal with us as they 
think proper, the merciful, gracious Father will preserve us 
from such abominable disturbances as the Munsterites have 
caused, and which, alas ! are yet in vogue among the supposed 
christians ; for we have, by the grace of God, beaten our swords 
into plough shares, and our spears into pruning hooks; (Isa. 2 ; 
Mich. 4;) and we shall sit under the true vine, Christ, under the 
prince of eternal peace, and will never take part in bloody wars. 

In the third place, we reply : That we know and use no other 
sw r ord than that which Christ himself brought down from heaven, 
(Matt. 10,) and which the apostles used with power and spirit; 
which proceeds from the mouth of the Lord — the sword of the 
spirit, (Eph. 6,) which is sharper than any sword, having two 
edges, (Rev. 1,) piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul 
and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of 
the thoughts and intents of the heart. With this, and with no 
other sword, do we desire to destroy the kingdom of the devil, 
to reprove all wickedness, and to preach righteousness, to raise 
the father against the son, the son against the father; the 
mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the 
mother, &c. (Matt. 10.) In such a way, even as Jesus Christ, 



298 OP THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

the holy apostles and the prophets did in the world. I do not 
here mean the prophets Elias and Samuel, (1 Kings 18 ; 1 Sam. 
15,) understand me rightly, who also used the sword ; but I 
mean the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zecharias, Amos, &c, who 
only reproved with doctrine, and not otherwise. 

That is the sword we bear ; and we will lay it down for none, 
neither for emperor, nor king, nor other authorities. For Peter 
says : We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5.) He 
that committed us, we must serve, whether we chance to live or 
die, as it may please God. 

That the world is now ascribing to us this uproar for the pure 
love which we manifested toward them we must endure, as did 
our forefathers. Art thou not he, said Ahab to Elijah, that 
troubleth Israel ? The prophet answered : I have not troubled 
Israel ; but thou and thy father's house. Jeremiah, on account 
of his faithful warning and salutary admonition, was regarded 
by them as a mutineer, rebel and heretic. Paul and the apostles 
were cast into prison as deceivers and rebellious, and finally had 
to suffer martyrdom. If the world could pass a true sentence, 
they would well perceive, that Christ and his followers were not 
tumultuous towards the world, but the world towards them. 
And so also we, who are not tumultuous towards any one, but 
all are against us, they tyrannize and rave as may be seen. 

Again, that we are opposed to the magistracy in the things 
to which they are ordained of God, is not true, understand me 
in lawful things ; as giving of toll, tribute, and paying taxes, &c. 
(Rom. 13; 1 Pet. 2.) But that they are to rule and lord over 
our consciences, contrary to the spirit of Christ, as they please, 
to this we do not consent, but we will sacrifice, possessions and 
life, rather than sin against Jesus Christ and his holy word for 
any man's sake, whether he be emperor or king. 

That we are not wrong, but right in this respect, the scrip- 
tures abundantly testify ; and therefore, with pious Susan, we 
wish rather to obey God than man, (Dan. 13,) and thus fall into 
the hands of men, rather than into the hands of God. May the 
gracious Father, through his blessed Son Jesus Christ, grant to 
this deaf, blind world ears to hear, and eyes to see, that they 
may be converted and be eternally saved. 

In the third place we are without cause, accused hard : That 
we are stubborn, selfish and unconverted persons, who will by 
no means suffer ourselves to be taught or instructed. 

To which we reply, first : If this accusation even were true, 
it is still very unbecoming for our persecutors, to exterminate 
or harm us, because they would be, or boast themselves chris- 
tians, for the punishment of the wicked will be eternal, as the 
scriptures testify. (Mark 16 ; John 3.) 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 299 

All men, says Paul, have not faith, but it is a gift of God. (2 
Thes. 1 ; chap. 3.) Now if it is a gift, it may not be enforced 
by worldly power, nor sword, but it must by means of the pure 
doctrine of the holy scripture, in conjunction with the ardent 
prayer of humility, be apprehended, by the grace of God, through 
the influence of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 10 ; Matt. 13.) More- 
over, it is not the will of the householder, that the tares be rooted 
up, until the time of harvest ; as is clearly evinced in the para- 
ble. 

Now, if our persecutors were christians, as they suppose, and 
if they considered the Lord's word as true, T\hy do they not hear, 
and follow, the word and commandment of Christ? Why do 
they root up the tares before the time ? Why are they not 
afraid, lest they root up the good wheat, and not the tares ? 
(Matt. 12,) why do they arrogate to themselves the duty of the 
angels, who, at the proper time, shall bind the tares in bundles, 
and cast them into the furnace of everlasting fire ? 

Since, by our belief or unbelief, (unbelief it must ever be, if 
their assertions are true,) we injure no man upon earth ; justice 
demands, that they should commit us with our belief or unbelief 
to the Lord alone, and his judgment, who, in the fullness of time, 
will judge .all things in righteousness, and that they should not, 
like savage pagans, pursue us with the sword of destruction. 
The true disposition of a pious and sincere christian, is to lead 
poor, wandering sinners to repentance, and not to destroy them, 
as these men do. (Matt. 9.) In regard to all those who evidence 
a contrary spirit, it is an easy matter for any intelligent chris- 
tian, to show from the scriptures what father they are child- 
ren of. 

Again, we reply, that we are prepared, in every way, even 
unto death, for the reception of all sound doctrine, admonition, 
instruction, and chastening, in righteousness ; we spare no labor, 
pains, nor expense, if we can only obtain faithful stewards to 
dispense bread to us in proper season ; for our souls hunger after 
the living bread, and our spirits thirst for the living water. (Matt. 
24 ; John 6.) All who are qualified, rightly to break the former, 
and pour out the latter ; we desire to hear with devotedness of 
heart, and to live in obedience to their doctrine. (John 4, 7.) 

But the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the lies and 
deceivings of false prophets, the stealing and outrages of thieves 
and murderers, we will have nothing to do with, let what may 
happen by divine permission. Thank God, we have tasted the 
heavenly bread, (John 10,) hence, we have become heartily tired 
of the leaven and husks of the learned ; we drink the pure wa- 
ter, the impure we leave for them ; we received the truth and 
rejected lies ; the light hath shined upon us, there is no more 



300 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. • 

place for darkness. (Luke 15; Ezek. 34; John 1.) In short, 
we have found Christ, the true Messiah, his saving word, his 
pure ordinance, and his holy, and unblamable life, (according to 
the gift of grace within us,) and as a consequence, have turned 
away from antichrist, with the confident hope, that we will never 
more observe, or make use of, his ordinance of infant baptism, 
and idolatrous supper, nor ever be reconciled to his odious, 
carnal, and ungodly life. 

If in this matter, we do wrong and transgress, in the presence 
of God, and before his community, as they imagine: then must 
the fathers, and the scriptures have miserably betrayed us. But 
no ; the word of God is truth ; and the truth shall abide forever, 
even though the whole world be offended. (John 17.) 

And because we dare not again take part in their false doc- 
trine, pretended sacraments, idolatry, false worship, and in their 
shameful, wicked, and ungodly life ; because by the spirit of 
God, by the evidence of the scriptures, and by the witness of 
our own consciences we have turned away from such ; therefore, 
must we be called stubborn, selfish and obstinate, and, alas ! 
must be to all men heretics, spoils, and derision. 

I hope, beloved brethren, that such absurd accusations may 
never dismay the hearts of the pious, nor render them faint, 
inasmuch as, they are entirely destitute of foundation ; while, 
we on the contrary have, the whole scripture, together with 
prophets, apostles, saints, nay, Christ Jesus himself; all of 
whom in truth and righteousness, remained steadfast and im- 
movable, even unto death, in their opposition — to all false doc- 
trine, torture, and tyranny, and did not, in a single point, agree 
with, or consent to, their ungodly deeds, neither in heart, speech, 
nor behavior. 

Ought we then to reject the heavenly light, and embrace the 
darkness of condemnation? Forsake eternal truth, and ever- 
lasting life ? Follow after lies, and pursue death, for the sake 
of a little perishable wealth, and a half hour's enjoyment of 
temporal life ? If so, it would be better for us that we had never 
been born. From a contingency so dreadful, it is our firm hope, 
that God, by his boundless love, will ever preserve and protect 
us. 

In the third place we answer : That we sincerely detest and 
abhor such teaching and conversion, as our persecutors would 
make use of, in order to instruct and convert us ; for their end 
is death, according to the testimony of the whole scriptures ; 
the reason is, that their doctrine is false and deceptive, their 
sacraments are idolatrous, and contrary to the word of God ; 
their worship is sheer idolatry, and their whole life is earthly, 
sensual, and contrary to the word of God ; as may be seen, 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 301 

(James 3,) yea, they are a people of whom we may justly testify 
as they do of us, namely : This is a stiff-necked, seditious, un- 
converted people, whose hearts are harder than diamond, a peo- 
ple who know not their God, as the prophet speaks of Israel, 
saying: The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's 
crib ; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. 
(Isa. 1.) 

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil- 
doers, children that are corrupters ! they have forsaken the 
Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, 
they are gone away backward ; they hold fast to deceit, says 
Jeremiah, they refuse to return. I hearkened and heard, says 
he, but they spake not aught : no man repenteth him of his 
wickedness, saying : What have I done? Every one turned to 
his course, as the horse rusheth into battle. Yea, the stork in 
the heavens knoweth her appointed times ; and the turtle, and 
the crane, and the swallow, observe the time of their coming : 
but my people know not the judgaient of the Lord. (Jer. 8.) 
And more passages of a similar nature. 

Like John the Baptist, one might well rebuke them, and say : 
Bring forth fruits meet for repentance : and say not that you 
are christians ; as the Pharisees said they had Abraham for 
their father ; for such perverse, sensual christians, God knoweth 
not : the axe is laid unto the root of the tree, (Matt. 3,) there- 
fore, every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down 
and cast into the fire. Drunkards, says Paul, (Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor- 
6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5,) covetous, envious, proud, idolaters, adul- 
terers and fornicators, shall not inherit the kingdom of God ; 
hence, in the spirit of commiseration, we may aptly say to our 
persecutors, who are still such : Reform, for, alas ! princes, 
rulers, learned, unlearned, citizens, countrymen, husband and 
wife, all, on every hand, have become degenerate, walking in the 
accursed fruits of profanity and ungodliness ; they reject God 
and his word ; they grieve the Holy Spirit ; they persecute the 
righteous and pious ; the fear and love of God are an abomina- 
tion to them ; yet to such as walk in the way of truth, die unto 
unto flesh and blood, are heavenly and spiritually minded, with 
sincerity of heart seek Christ Jesus and the imperishable ever- 
lasting life, they say : Reform ; be instructed ; with similar ex- 
pressions, — just as if we had the lies, and they the truth ; though 
according to the gift imparted to us, we love and seek the Lord 
cordially; but what they do, I leave it to any intelligent chris- 
tian to decide. 

Moreover, even they themselves demonstrate, that the fruits 
and ardent charity of our members, far exceed and surpass that 
of theirs, (Deut. 4, 43) nevertheless, we have to be looked upon, 

26 



302 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

as deceived, selfish, obstinate, and unconverted heretics, while 
they are considered the real, spiritually anointed christians, the 
truly legitimate children of God. 

Now, dear brethren, judge by this how puerile and nonsensi- 
cal is the excuse of the world, with regard to their tyrannical 
proceedings, and how indiscreetly and childishly, we are accused 
by them. ! it is our heart's desire, that all our predecessors 
may receive from the Lord grace unto repentance. For it is 
high time that they awake, and turn to the Lord. 

Again, our persecutors bring in an excuse, saying it is right 
that we should be persecuted ; because by us many men are de- 
plorably misled, and brought to destruction. 

To this we reply : That if the case is examined, and sentence 
passed upon it, according to the flesh, it does appear, that many 
are miserably deceived by us, for all those who follow our doc- 
trine, faith, life, and confession, in obedience and power, must 
bring into jeopardy all which they have received from God, 
character, reputation, land, house, gold, silver, father, mother, 
sister, brother, husband, wife, son, daughter, yea, life itself. The 
finger of scorn will generally be pointed at them ; they shall be 
trampled under feet, hated of all men, slandered and calumni- 
ated, betrayed, and delivered up unto death ; gallows, racks, 
offensive pools, stocks and swords, as also hunger, thirst, want, 
toil, affliction, distress, anxiety, nakedness, tribulation, sorrow, 
buffeting, bonds and imprisonment, must be their portion and 
recompense here upon earth ; no man may administer unto, or 
befriend them, but at the risk of person and property; the 
father may not receive and assist the son, nor the son the father. 
In short, they are looked upon by the world as too unworthy to 
be in heaven, or upon earth ; moreover, they shew all pomp 
and parade, rioting, drunkenness, sensuality, &c, towards 
which the whole world is inclined, all men, to the extent of their 
power, deriving from such practices, the greatest self-gratifica- 
tion. They, on the contrary, take delight in humility, sobriety, 
an indigent, blameless, and rejected life in the fear of the Lord, 
which is an abomination to the whole world. It is, therefore, 
no wonder, in my opinion, that the erring, blind world who have 
not, neither know the Holy Spirit, as Christ says, (John 14,) 
who seek, understand, and judge earthly things alone, should 
regard, consider, and detest such a life, as the result of impos- 
ture and deception. 

But those, who are taught of God, who have risen with 
Christ to newness of life, are made partakers of the Holy 
Spirit, are spiritually-minded, look upon, and judge all things 
by the Spirit, such do not consider it as imposture and decep- 
tion, but they esteem it above all gold and silver, all knowledge 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 303 

and wisdom, all riches and honor, all parade and ostentation ; 
nay, above all that is named under heaven; for they know from 
their hearts, that this is the only doctrine that leadeth to im- 
mortality and eternal life ; they look not at the things which 
are transitory, but at things which are imperishable. They 
provide and prepare a treasure and inheritance that abideth in 
heaven, but earthly treasure they esteem not, (2 Cor. 4,) they 
seek the wisdom which is eternal, being, therefore, regarded by 
the whole world as fools, (Matt. 6,) they adorn themselves with 
the inner garment of righteousness, despising the outer moth- 
eaten garment of pride ; (1 Cor. 3;) they strive for that kingdom 
and crown of glory which will abide forever ; the earthly king- 
dom with its glory, they leave to such as take delight in them. 

Hence, dearly beloved, it is absolutely necessary to judge all 
things spiritually ; for the world is come to such a state that 
the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ and his apostles, is esteemed 
heresy; to preach Christ Jesus, his spirit and life, his unadul- 
terable word, will and ordinance, to turn the people from 
ungodliness to piety, is considered as imposition and deception. 
Behold, how blind and ignorant, in divine things, are our per- 
secutors who so miserably oppress, persecute and destroy us for 
the truth's sake ! Yea, my brethren, here is the patience, and 
the faith of the saints ; (Rev. 13 ;) all, who in their hearts expe- 
rience this, (as here related) will possess their souls in patience, 
let the opposition be ever so great, and will pray for their ene- 
mies with all the ardor of the power that is in them. 

In the fourth place, our persecutors accuse us with great 
bitterness, because we separate ourselves from their doctrine, 
sacraments, church service, and from a carnal and sensual life, 
and in such things dare have nothing to do with them ; they say 
that, in this thing, we condemn them, and banish them to hell. 

To this we reply, in the first place : The reason why we can 
never, by word or deed, consent to, nor allow of, their preachers, 
sacraments, church service, and impure sensual life, is, that they 
are openly opposed to God and his word ; the preachers serve 
when they are not sent, (Jer. 23,) their doctrine is false, deceptive 
and contrary to the saving doctrine of truth, their life is in every 
respect, blamable ; they preach for filthy lucre's sake ; they act 
the hypocrite for the world, to flatter the desires thereof ; the 
foundation of their faith and religion, is emperor, king, princes 
and men of power ; what they command, that teach they ; and 
what they forbid, that leave they untouched. Their infant bap- 
tism is unfounded in scripture ; their supper is idolatrous and 
impure, and by the impure administered and received ; their 
church-service is contrary to the doctrine of the apostles ; and 
for the most part so sensual and ungodly is the ordinary tenor 



304: OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

of their life, that every child of God must be exceedingly 
amazed and astonished at it. 

Seeing then that their doctrine, sacrament, church service 
and life, are in fact, so palpably opposed to the word of God, 
how could we again intermingle and enter into familiarity with 
them in such heinous abominations? That we separate our- 
selves from them, is the express word and will of God : For 
says Paul, (2 Cor. 6 :). What communion hath light with dark- 
ness ? what concord hath Christ with Belial? what fellowship 
hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? or what part hath he 
that believeth with the infidel ? and what agreement hath the 
temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living 
God ; as God hath said : I will dwell in them, and walk in them; 
and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Where- 
fore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the 
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you 
and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and 
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (Lev. 26 ; Isa. 52.) 

These words of Paul are plain and intelligible : It is, there- 
fore, utterly impossible, that those who have, through the 
beneficence of God, received from on high, the true light, Christ 
Jesus, unfeigned righteousness, pure effective faith, have become 
a fit and worthy temple of the Lord, are under the influence of 
the Holy Spirit, are choseu and adopted as the children of God; 
that such should again have fellowship with darkness, Belial, 
unrighteousness, infidels and idolators ; for, knowing, by the 
grace of God, that their doctrine, sacraments, service and life, 
are truly and fundamentally false and erroneous ; if you have a 
true zeal for God, count all things but dross, that with Paul, 
you may win Christ ; according to scripture abhor that which 
is evil, and cleave to that which is good ; have washed your 
robes in the blood of the Lamb, (Phil. 2 ; Horn. 12 ; Rev. 7,) 
and conform in all your thoughts, words and actions, to the 
touchstone of the word/ and the example of Christ ; how can 
you again have communion with them, and say amen to their 
abominations ? (Matt. 6 ; 1 Cor. 10;) we cannot serve two mas- 
ters at once ; we cannot hold communion with Christ, and at 
the same time fellowship with the devil ; we cannot be the 
children and servants of God, and also the children and servants 
of satan ; if we love that which is good, we must abhor that 
which is evil ; if we embrace the truth, we must forsake lies, 
<&c, &c. 

Now, forasmuch as we thus separate ourselves from them, 
and testify by word and deed, even unto death, that their works 
are evil ; therefore they are filled with the most inhuman ran- 
cor and indignation, and say from the heart, as all the ungodly 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 305 

have done from the beginning : Let us lie in wait for the right- 
eous ; because he is not foi> our turn, and he is clearly contrary 
to our doings : he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and 
objecteth to our infamy, the transgressions of our education, 
&c. He exposeth our secret designs and cunning devices. He 
is grievous unto us even to behold ; for his life is not like other 
men's, his ways are of another fashion. We are esteemed of 
him as counterfeits : he abstaineth from our ways as from 
filthiness : he pronounceth unto us the end of the righteous, 
&c. Let us, therefore, condemn him with a shameful death. 
(Wisd. 2.) 

Here, my dearly beloved brethren, the Holy Spirit has given 
a faithful delineation of our persecutors ; for our actual confes- 
sion, that is to say, our separation from them is the sole reason 
why the blind, blood-thirsty world, frantic with rage, tyrannizes 
over us with so much cruelty ; and why we must bear and suffer, 
so much ; as Peter also says. (1 Pet. 4.) They think the stranger 
that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking 
evil of you. Nay, for this reason, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zachariah, 
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel, Eleazar, the mother 
with the seven sons, and Christ Jesus, had to die and bear the 
cross ; because they earnestly reproved the world in its doc- 
trine, ceremonies and conduct. 

This is, even unto this day, the only and principal reason, and 
in reality there is no other, notwithstanding our persecutors 
allege many, (as we have shown,) why we must be considered 
by the word as ana-baptists, heretics, knaves, deceivers and 
movers of sedition, and be regarded as fit subjects for persecu- 
tion. But, thank God, we know the reason of our suffering ; we 
know also that he who called us to this grace, and in whom we 
put our trust, will successfully plead our cause, and will faith- 
fully stand by and deliver his poor oppressed children, in every 
time of need, to the advancement of his eternal praise and ever- 
lasting glory. 

Though our persecutors assert that our separation from them 
is the result of pure obstinacy and caprice, yet their declaration 
is false and unjust, in the presence of God who knoweth the 
hearts of all men ; because our separation has no other founda- 
tion nor design than this, that we desired, in our weakness, to 
observe with all our heart the word of God, and keep his com- 
mandments; and that we might, in real charity, and in fact, 
show to the whole world that they lie in wickedness, and are 
strangers to God and his word, to the end that they may, in due 
time, awake and turn from iniquity. For how can they in truth, 
teach others generosity, chastity, humility, and every virtue, if 
they themselves are abandoned to avarice, lewdness and pride, 

26* 



306 OF THE CROSS OF. CHRIST. 

and addicted to every vice ? It would be the height of folly for 
a person to point out the right way to others, warning them o. 
robbers and murderers, while he himself would take a winding:, 
unfrequented road and voluntarily offer himself an easy prey to 
thieves and robbers. My brethren may reflect upon what I 
mean. 

It is not sufficient for a sincere christian merely to speak the 
truth ; but he mast also demonstrate in power and in deed, that 
which he speaks, conforming himself thereuuto, or he shall hear, 
with the Pharisees : You say, and do not ; (Matt. 23,) and also 
as Paul, in writing to the Romans, says of the Jews : You that 
teach a man should not steal, do you steal? You that say a man 
should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery ? You 
that abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? You that boast of 
the law, do you, through breaking the law, dishonor God? 
(Rom. 2.) 

In short, a christian teaches and acts ; he professes and prac- 
tices ; he believes and obeys ; he directs and advances ; his 
heart, word and deed are in unison ; if not he is a hypocrite, and 
no christian ; as, alas ! there are numbers in our day, who boast 
highly of knowledge and wisdom, though in power they are vain 
and unfruitful. 

Again, we reply: That our persecutors do violently and un- 
justly accuse us of condemning and banishing them to hell. Ah 
no ! far be it from us to condemn any man under heaven before 
his time, let him be ever so wicked. For we are well aware that 
the scriptures say: Condemn not, that you be not condemned. 
(I Cor. 4; Matt. 7 ; Luke 6.) There is one who, in the fulness 
of time, will judge all men, every man according to his works, 
namely, he to whom the Father has committed all judgment ; 
(2 Cor. 5,) whosoever usurps his judgment shall not go unpun- 
ished. Moreover, we know not the measure of grace, the sinner 
may be made partaker of before death, in order that, in con- 
demning others, we might be innocent in the sight of the Lord. 
Nevertheless, we are permitted to judge and speak by the word 
of God, as follows: If a miser does not abandon his avaricious 
principles ; a whoremonger his lewdness ; a drunkard his strong 
drink; an idolator his worshipping of strange gods; and by a 
pious, penitent life, turn to the true and living God with sorrow 
and anguish of heart, in the operative faith of Jesus Christ, he 
is no christian, nor shall he inherit the kingdom of God : (Rom. 
1 ; 1 Cor. 6,) if sentence is thus passed, it is not we that judge, 
but the scriptures ; as Christ says : He that rejecteth me, and 
receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word 
that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 
We are well assured that God does, and can save no man con- 



OF THE CROSS OP CHRIST. 307 

trary to his word ; (Gal. 5; John 12,) for he is truth, and can- 
not lie. Where there is no faith, no newness of mind, there is 
no repentance, nor sorrow of heart, &c, (John 14; Tit. 1.) upon 
such, alas ! Christ has already passed sentence, saying : If ye 
believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins; if ye repent 
not, ye shall all perish ; and more similar expressions. (John 
8 ; Luke 13.) 

Brethren, we therefore judge no man with our word before 
the time, as you well know ; but we commit that unto Jesus 
Christ and his word, who will judge them in due season ; we do 
not condemn them by our separation, as they complain ; but we 
teach and admonish them by word and work, with all diligence 
and threatening, that they cease from evil, follow that which is 
good, do righteousness, seek and fear God in a good conscience, 
lest they die in sin and unbelief, and abide forever the wrath and 
judgment of God. (Ps. 33 ; Pet. 3.) Nevertheless, the pure 
charity and faithful service of the pious are ascribed to bad mo- 
tives, and construed to their disgrace. 

In the fifih place, many cover their tyranny and shedding of 
blood with a thin fig-leaf, and say: We judge you not, but the 
emperor's mandate judges you. 

We reply : If our persecutors are christians, and have the 
knowledge of Christ, as they suppose, we earnestly desire in the 
spirit of humanity, for God's sake, that they would draw a com- 
parison between the emperor and Christ, and observe with 
attention, whether the emperor and Christ are of one spirit; 
whether he walks as Christ taught his disciples : also, that they 
would compare the emperor's mandate with the gospel of Christ. 
If they discover that the emperor does not agree with Christ in 
spirit and in life ; and that his mandate, in accordance with 
which they frame their conduct, is contrary to the gospel, then 
they must acknowledge that the emperor is no christian, and 
that his mandate is proscribed and accursed in the presence of 
God. 

It is the most lamentable blindness that they fear and honor 
the poor, earthly emperor more than Christ Jesus, and pay 
more respect to his blood-thirsty, malicious mandate, than to 
the gospel of love. Yet they desire to be considered christians. 
! that the emperor and his subjects were christians ! This is 
our most earnest desire. Then would be spared a great deal of 
innocent blood, which is now spilt like water, contrary to all 
scripture and charity. 

Say now, all who are guilty of innocent blood, and who pal- 
liate your conduct with the emperor's mandate ; where have you 
read a single passage in the whole life of Christ, which autho- 
rizes men to shed blood and punish with the sword for opinion's 



308 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

sake ? Where have the apostles once taught or countenanced 
such a practice ? Should not the cause of the Spirit (understand 
faith,) be reserved unto the judgment of the Spirit? Why do 
you and the emperor place yourselves in God's stead, judging 
things which you understand not, neither are they commanded 
you? Do you not consider what befel Pharaoh, Antiochus, 
Herod, and many others, because they feared not the Most 
High, and vented their wrath against his people ? (Eph. 1.) 
Consider, you tyrants and blood-thirsty ! that the emperor is 
not the head of Christ, but that Christ is the head of the em- 
peror ; that the emperor shall not judge and govern Christ, but 
Christ the emperor. (Col. 2; Heb. 2.) Dear men, how can you 
be so arrogant and so rebellious against him who created you ? 
Do you consider the scriptures as mockery and as destitute of 
truth ? Or do you hope that your glass will remain forever, and 
that it will never run out? Stand in awe of Him who locks up 
the heavens and the earth in the palm of his hand, who sends 
forth the lightning, gives wings to the tempest, and shakes the 
foundations of the mountains, who rules all things with the word 
of his power, at whose name every knee shall bow, of things in 
heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth, and to 
whom every tongue shall confess that he is the Lord, (Deut. 
32 ; Phil. 2 ;) as soon as he calls, you must appear at his tri- 
bunal, (his summons is peremptory) no matter who you are, 
where you be, or what your pretensions ; there will be no equiv- 
ocation, no counsel, no excuse ; when he calls, you must be 
there to give an account ; you maybe no longer steward, (Luke 
16 ;) yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be ; though his 
throne is exalted unto heaven, and his dominion extends to the 
ends of the earth, yet in a short time, he shall be sought for, and 
shall not be found. (Ps. 37 ; 2 Mac. 2.) 

Therefore, beloved brethren and children in the Lord, be of 
sincere minds, and full of consolation in Christ Jesus; for all 
who persecute you shall be as grass ; and all their power and 
glory as the flower of the field; (Isa. 40; 1 Pet. 2,) therefore, 
be not afraid of perishable, mortal man, but fear the Lord who 
has chosen you ; for all the children of men shall wither as the 
grass, vanish as a mist, and wax old as a garment ; but you 
shall abide forever, (as the scripture testifies,) and your souls 
shall enjoy everlasting life. (Isa. 51 ; 1 John 2.) 

Yes, dearly beloved, the longed-for day of your visitation is 
at hand, in which you shall stand up with great power against 
those who have troubled yon, (Wis. 3, 5,) and exacted your 
sweat and toil, nay, your blood and life, (Matt. 4 ;) then shall 
our persecutors be as ashes under the soles of our feet ; and 
know, but too late, that emperor, king, duke, prince, crown, 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. '309 

sceptre, majesty, power, sword and mandate, are but earth, 
dust, wind and smoke. 

Against this day, all afflicted and oppressed Christians, who 
now labor under the cross of Christ, console themselves, in the 
firm hope of a future life, and commit all tyrants with their 
heathenish mandates unto God and his judgments ; they remain 
firmly attached unto Christ Jesus and his holy word, and con- 
form thereunto, their whole doctrine, faith, sacraments and life, 
never paying respect to any other doctrine or mandate ; even 
as the Father commanded from heaven, (Matt. 17,) and as Christ 
Jesus with his holy apostles taught in all clearness, leaving it as 
a legacy unto all pious, god-fearing children. 

I suppose, beloved brethren, it is sufficiently evident that the 
apology of tyrants, (in which they aver the justice and right of 
the outrageous murders,) is perfectly futile and barbarous ; and 
that their accusation against us has no foundation in truth, is 
diametrically opposed to Christ and his word, nay, contrary to 
the principles of love, justice and equity. May the Father of 
mercies grant unto all, who sutler for his truth's sake, a sound 
understanding of his word and truth, and a freedom of mind in 
all temptations. Amen. 

We will now, by the grace of God, show, in few words, how 
greatly it serves for our good, that our flesh is afflicted and 
tempted with many crosses and tribulations here upon earth. 

Beloved brethen, when we consider the weakness of our sinful 
nature, (Gen. 6,) and how prone we all are to evil from our 
youth ; that in our flesh dwelleth no good thing, (Bom. 7,) and 
that we drunk iniquity and ungodliness like water: as Eliphas, 
the Temanite, said to Job. And have, at all times, (though we 
seek and fear God,) an affection for the things of time and sense, 
(Job 15,) the gracious God and Father, who, through his eternal 
love, is always greatly concerned for his children, has prepared, 
and left in his house, an excellent remedy therefor, namely, the op- 
pressive cross of Christ ; so that we, who, in unbounded, mercy are 
received, through Christ Jesus, to the glory of the Father, be- 
lieving in pureness of heart on Christ Jesus, and love him in 
our weakness, may, through the aforesaid cross, that is, through 
much affliction, forsake all the transitory delights and enjoy- 
ments of earth, die unto the world and the flesh, love God alone, 
set our affection on things above, where Christ sitteth on the 
right hand of God, (Col, 3;) as Peter also says: Forasmuch, 
then, says he, as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm 
yourselves likewise with the same mind ; for he that hath suf- 
fered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin ; that he no longer should 
live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to 
the will of God. (1 Pet, 4.) 



310 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

It appears to me utterly impossible, beloved brethren, that 
they, who voluntarily submit to the word and will of God, who 
are willing and prepared to support the word in all things, being 
for this reason constantly persecuted and afflicted, slandered, 
imprisoned, robbed and put to death, should turn again and set 
their affection upon sensual pleasures, and the vain and sinful 
desires of the world. For, of what value are money and pos- 
sessions, if we but believe, that we have in heaven a better and 
an enduring substance, that temporal riches can neither render 
us happy, nor afford us relief, (Matt. 6 ; Heb. 10,) and that we 
know not how soon they may be taken from us by robbers ? 
Or, why should we gratify the lusts of the flesh, when we look 
for, and expect nothing else every instant, than to be appre- 
hended by the officers, and be treated by the executioners after 
this manner, be racked, tortured, drowned, burned and assas- 
sinated? Moreover, how can the world afford us any enjoy- 
ment, seeing we are looked upon by the whole world as 
deceivers, heretics, scorners and fools ? 

Forasmuch as eternal Wisdom recognizes an extreme weak- 
ness, and sincere earthly toil, peace, and felicity have so great a 
tendency to ruin and undo us before our God, and to render us 
careless, refractory, lukewarm and drowsy, he has appointed 
his cross as an awakening rod for the use of all his followers, by 
which, as a faithful Father, he restrains, awakes and excites 
the children of his love ; as Solomon says, (Prov. 3, 12.) My 
son, despise not the chastening of the Lord ; neither be weary 
of his correction ; for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth ; he 
chasteneth every son in whom he delighteth. (Eev. 3.) If ye 
endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons ; for what 
son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without 
chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, 
and not sons. (Heb. 12.) Furthermore, we have had fathers of 
our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence : Shall 
we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, 
and live? For they verily, for a few days, chastened us after 
their own pleasure ; but he, for our profit, that we might be 
partakers of his holiness. (Heb. 7, 10.) 

Behold, brethren, these words of the apostle are, beyond 
measure, gracious, and replete with consolation unto all those 
who have to bear the cross of Christ ; for, as a strict and faith- 
ful father who loves his children, desiring to teach and instruct 
them that which is best, does, sometimes, out of pure paternal 
love, admonish, chasten and punish them with stripes for the 
edification and promotion of his dear children, not regarding the 
pain inflicted in the flesh, in order that they may not despise 
their father's will, command and voice, but that they may fear 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 311 

and obey with all their heart, learn and practice modesty, piety 
and docility; so does our heavenly Father ofttimes chasten his 
elect children with his paternal rod, that they may hear and 
obey him in his holy word, will and commandment, practice 
piety and every moral virtue, fear God with sincerity of heart, 
unite not, nor familiarize themselves with the world, live no 
longer unto flesh and blood ; and hereby, as obedient and 
chastened children of God, be finally made partakers of the 
promised kingdom and inheritance. 

But if they refuse the rod of chastisement, reject the cross of 
Christ, and become, in consequence of their Father's kind chas- 
tening, the longer, the more abandoned and refractory, despising 
their Father's will and word, dealing and acting according to 
their own inclination, they must at last be cast off and be con- 
sidered as infamous bastards. 

Therefore, holy brethren, refuse not the rod and correction 
of your kind Father, for its tendency is extremely beneficial, 
namely, that you lay aside every weight and the sins which so 
easily beset you, and in all things, without exception, fear, love, 
and obey your Father. Thus, is this rod of the cross of Christ 
pure love and benevolence, and not indignation and wrath : as 
may be perceived and evinced by the spirit of God, and not by 
the dictates of the flesh. 

For a similar reason did God ofttimes permit his people Israel 
to be chastized by the Philistines, Assyrians, Chaldeans, &c, 
when they forgot and rebelled against their God, in order that, 
by such scourges and punishments, they might again seek their 
God, hear his law, cease from evil, and act uprightly in all things. 
Notwithstanding, the paternal punishment was for the most part 
lost upon Israel ; as the Prophet says. He hath often reproved, 
but what did it avail ? The rod amendeth not the wicked chil- 
dren, saith the Lord God. (Ezek. 31.) 

Behold, also, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish, are 
sent as scourges for amendment. But for all these things they 
shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of 
the scourges. (2 Esdras. 16, 19,20.) 

Again : Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved ; 
thou hast punished them for amendment, but they refused to re- 
ceive correction : They have made their faces harder than a 
rock ; they have refused to return. (Jer. 5.) 

The above cited words of the prophet show plainly why the 
Israelites were so often punished and stricken of the Lord, 
namely, that they might turn themselves from iniquity. Yet 
all in vain, as the prophets complain and declare in the above 
words. 

Beloved brethren, let this serve you as an admonition, that 



312 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

you be not like circumstanced with disobedient and hard- 
hearted Israel, but that you willingly submit yourselves to the 
chastening and correction of your merciful Father, reflecting 
upon that which is written : When we are judged, we are 
chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with 
the world. (1 Cor. 11, 32.) 

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, 
reject not the chastening and instruction of your affectionate 
Father, but receive, with abundant joy, the exhortation of his 
sincere affection, giving thanks, that through his paternal favor 
he has chosen you in Christ Jesus, as the children of his love, 
taught you and called you by the word of his power, (Eph. 1.) 
enlightened you with the Holy Spirit, that through the salutary 
influence of the cross of Christ you may restore to health your 
poor, weak, mortal flesh, which is obnoxious to so many loath- 
some infectious diseases of concupiscence, and wean it entirely 
from the pleasures and enjoyments of the world, that you may 
be made partakers of the cross of Christ, and rendered conform- 
able unto his death, (Phil. 3,) and, by this means, attain unto 
the resurrection of the dead ; as Paul, in a certain place in- 
structs, saying : We are troubled on every side, yet not dis- 
tressed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair ; persecuted, but 
not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed ; always bearing 
about in the body of the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life 
also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2 Cor. 4, 
8, 9, 10.) But we who live, surrender ourselves daily unto 
death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made 
manifest in our mortal flesh. 

Behold, for this cause, he teaches, admonishes, threatens, chas- 
tens, and rebukes, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, die entirely unto the world, flesh and the devil, seek our trea- 
sure, portion and inheritance in heaven, alone love and believe 
the only true, living and eternal God, looking in patience for 
that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, 
and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he 
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a 
peculiar people, serving him in righteousness and godliness all 
the days of our life. (Tit. 2.) 

And for the same reason James says : (James 1.) My 
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations ; 
knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect 
and entire, wanting nothing ; for as gold in passing through the 
tire is severed from the dross, and becomes more and more re- 
fined ; so, the susceptible man of God is subdued, purified, and 
refined, in the fiery furnace of affliction, that he may enhance 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 313 

the everlasting praise and glory of Christ and the Father, and 
may out of a pure heart, without hindrance, fear, love, honor, 
thank, and serve the same eternal God. 

And this is the word that is written in the book of Wisdom, 
namely : Having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly 
rewarded : For God proved them, and found them worthy for 
himself. As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and re- 
ceived them as a burnt- offering. And in the time of their visi- 
tation, they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among 
the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion 
over the people, and their Lord shall reign forever. (Wis. 3.) 

Beloved brethren, be you, therefore, full of consolation in the 
Lord, and bear willingly your tribulation as pious soldiers of 
Christ, that you may please him who hath called and chosen 
you as soldiers : For, says Paul, (2 Tim. 2) if a man also strive 
for masteries, yet is not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 
Conduct yourselves, therefore, valiantly in the strife, and you 
shall gain favor in the eyes of your King ; but if you become 
intimidated, throw down your arms, and forsake the combat, 
you shall receive no crown ; for he that endureth unto the end 
says Christ, shall be saved. (Matt. 10.) 

I fear that some may be found among our young and inex- 
perienced brethren, who suffer themselves to be perplexed by 
the fleeting thought. Wherefore doth the way of the wicked 
and ungodly prosper ? And why do the righteous suffer much 
tribulation ? (Jer. 12 ; Ps. 73.) Yea, it appears in the eyes of 
the imprudent as if the ungodly were born to prosper ; for they 
grow and increase like a blossoming branch. They marry and 
are given in marriage ; they sow, plant, and gather the grain 
into barns ; they hoard up money in their chests ; their dwell- 
ings are magnificent and filled with costly things ; they deck 
themselves with gold and silver, with silk and velvet ; they 
nourish their hearts as in a day of slaughter. (James 4.) Their 
fields and meadows flourish luxuriantly; their cattle are healthy 
and prolific ; their children are merry, gay and vigorous in their 
sight ; they play upon the organ and the tambour, the viol and 
the lute ; they sing and leap for joy, and say to their souls : 
Bejoice, and be gay while life endures. 

Their preachers confirm and console them, and their worship 
is a pleasure exceeding all pleasures. In short, it would appear 
as if they were loved and blessed of God with a peculiar love, 
and that the righteous are accursed and hated of God with a 
peculiar hatred ; for they are like a slender shrub in a barren 
soil; like a poor frighted owl that is persecuted by all other 
birds ; like a pelican of the wilderness; and as a sparrow alone 
under the roof. (Isa. 53 ; Ps. 102.) All who look upon them, 

27 



314 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

mock them ; all who know them, despise them. There is no 
kingdom, principality, city, nor country, large enough to endure 
and tolerate a poor, rejected Christian. All who abuse, slander, 
and injure them, think they do God service. 

Brethren, were we to speak, or judge after the manner of 
men, we would doubtless complain with holy Jeremiah, and say, 
(Jer. 12.) Righteous art thou, Lord, when I plead with thee : 
yet, let me talk with thee of thy judgments. Wherefore doth 
the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy 
that deal very treacherously? Again: (Heb. 1.) Wherefore 
lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy 
tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more right- 
eous than he ? and Esdras, (2 Esd. 3 :) Are they of Babylon 
better than they of Sion ? Asaph's feet were almost gone, his 
steps had well nigh slipped, when he saw the prosperity of the 
wicked, and observed the opposition and tribulation of the 
righteous. (Ps. 73.) 

I counsel and admonish all who have to contend with such 
thoughts, that they direct their hearts and eyes unto the Lord's 
word, and observe with attention that which is written concern- 
ing the end and issue of both : and first of the ungodly. They 
spend their days in wealth, says Job, (Chap. 21,) and in a mo- 
ment they go down to the grave. Again : Fret not, thyself, 
says David, because of evil doers, neither be thou envious 
against the workers of iniquity ; for they shall soon be cut down 
like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Again, If ye live 
after the flesh, says Paul : Ye shall die ; to be carnally minded 
is death, (Ps. 37 ; Rom. 8, and many similar passages.) 

But respecting the end of the righteous, it is written : The 
souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall 
no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed 
to die : and their departure is taken for misery, and their going 
from us to be utter destruction ; but they are in peace. (Wis. 
3, 1, 2, 3.) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the 
Lord delivereth him out of them all. (Ps. 34.) Again : Blessed 
are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and say all 
manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and 
be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward in heaven. (Matt. 
5.) Again; seeing, says Paul: It is a righteous thing with 
God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you ; and 
to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall 
be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 
taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey 
not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ : who shall be punished 
with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and 
from the glory of his power. (2 Thess. 1,) when he shall come 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 315 

to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in them that be- 
lieve ; yea, all who truly read, believe, and understand, the 
scriptures, and have a correct perception of the vast dissimi- 
larity in end and issue of both, will not envy them their short- 
lived prosperity, joy, and felicity, and will, by the grace of God, 
be prepared for, and find consolation in, their own cross, tribu- 
lation and affliction. 

Moreover, brethren, we are well aware that the cross appears 
to the flesh as grievous, harsh, and severe, and is not, in this 
life, looked upon as productive of joy, but much rather of sor- 
row ; as Paul says. (fleb. 11.) Yet, since it contains within it- 
self, a source of profit and delight, in that it adds to the piety 
of the pious, separates them from the world and the flesh, makes 
them revere God and his word, as mentioned above ; and that 
it is also the Father's holy will that by it the sincere be ap- 
proved, and the pretender exposed in his hypocrisy ; therefore, 
all the true children of God are prepared through love, to do 
the will of the Father, rejoicing in it ; as Paul says, (Gal. 6.) 
God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of the Lord 
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I 
unto the world. Again: The apostles departed from the pre- 
sence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy 
to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5, 41.) 

Forasmuch as we are well convinced that our weak flesh, is 
very intimately united with us, and is a source of vexation as 
we find in the case of Job, Jeremiah, Elijah, and many others, 
as also of our Lord himself who , earnestly desired that, if it 
were possible, the cup might be removed from him, nay, in ex- 
cess of agony he trembled, quaked, and sweat as it were great 
drops of blood, so that an angel appeared ucto him from heaven 
strengthening him, (Luke 22,) therefore our best counsel is, that 
in faith and humility of heart, we fly for refuge to our God, as 
all sincere bearers of, the cross have done from the beginning : 
and seek, in full confidence, his grace, aid, assistance, and con- 
solation ; for whom does he forsake that trusts in him ? and 
who hath called upon him, that he did not hear ? he is our God 
and Father ; he is our Lord and King ; our helper and pro- 
tector ; our strength and fortress ; our consolation and refuge 
in the time of need ; he is the horn of our salvation and our 
shadow at noonday. By my God, says David, have 1 leaped 
over a wall. (Ps. 18; Isa. 4.) If God is for us who can be 
against us ? We can do all things through Christ, who 
strengthens us. To him commit thy cause ; he worketh in his 
saints that which is pleasing in his sight. Some he has rescued 
from the hands of tyrants, some he has preserved in the midst 
of fire ; for others he has stopped the mouths of fierce and ra- 



316 OF THE CROSS OP CHRIST. 

vening lions; (Dan. 3, 6,) lie has released some from prison and 
confinement, others have trampled the fear of death under their 
feet, and through the strength of their faith, have triumphantly 
and victoriously conquered hunger, thirst, shame, derision, 
nakedness, stripes, imprisonment, anguish, and, in addition, the 
gallows, rack, massacre, torture, water, fire, life and death, &c. 
( Jer. 26 ; Acts 5, 12, 6 ;) they were actuated by the constrain- 
ing effective influence of divine love, which converts the bitter 
into sweet, and the horrible into that which is greatly to be de- 
sired. Love, says Solomon, is strong as death ; many waters 
cannot quench it, neither can the floods drown it ; all who 
possess it, ought to say with Paul : Who shall separate us from 
the love of God ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or 
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? (Rom. 8.) As it is 
written : For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are 
accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (Ps. 43.) Nay, in all 
these things we are more than conquerors through him that 
loved us : For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 
&c, shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. 

Therefore, beloved brethren, bearers of the cross of the Lord, 
know you God, fear and love him, believe and confide in him, 
love and serve him, and that in the fulness of pureness of heart, 
according to the example of all saints, and of Christ Jesus : and 
the Father of mercies and of truth, in the excellency of his love, 
will not forsake you, but will care for you as the apple of his 
eye, will support you, with all the faithful, in every misfortune 
and extremity, will extend "his hand, and guard and preserve 
you, in life or in death, as is pleasing in his sight, to the en- 
hancement of his glory, and to the salvation of your own souls, 
for he is so kind and faithful, that he will not suffer you to be 
tempted above that you are able, but will in his boundless 
mercy, make a way for you to escape if you only remain stead- 
fast in the belief of his word, and consider him as your faithful 
Father. (1 Cor. 10.) 

Dear brethren, if, in your trials and temptations, you exhibit 
such evidence as here related ; drinking with patience the cup 
of the Lord ; bearing witness of Christ Jesus and his holy, ines- 
timable word, in action, and conversation ; suffering yourselves, 
in perfect constancy, to be led as meek lambs to the slaughter, 
for his testimony's sake ; then will the name of the Lord be 
sanctified, and exalted with praise and abundant glory; the 
hope of the righteous shall be revealed ; the kingdom of heaven, 
spread abroad; the word of God acknowledged; and your poor 
weak brethren and companions in the Lord, edified and con- 
firmed by this your plain dealing. 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 317 

Yea, my brethren, in the manner here related, we are informed 
and instructed, even unto this day, by the offering and blood of 
Abel ; by the faith and obedience of Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob ; the chastity of Joseph ; the patience of Job and of 
Tobit ; the excellent and manly confession of Eleazer ; the 
mother and her seven sons, (Heb, 11, 12; Kom. 4; Gen. 39 ; 
Job 2 ; Tob. 2 ; 2 Mace. 6, 7 ;) the candor, constancy, and piety 
of all the pious before us ; the pure, unspotted love, (Heb. 11,) 
humility, peace, righteousness, and pure voluntary offering of 
Jesus Christ, who, according to divine promise, was sent from 
heaven, in everlasting love, by God our heavenly Father, and 
descended upon earth as an infallible teacher, and as an eternal 
example of all good. (Matt, 23 ; John 13 ; Chap. 3 ; 1 John. 4.) 

My dearly beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, dis- 
persed abroad in every land, for whom, out of pure, christian 
love and duty, I have composed and written this exhortation : 
T will now draw to a conclusion, and I do entreat you, in all 
humility, that you consider well, in the first place, the nature of 
the people who so malevolently persecute you, spoiling your 
property, and destroying your lives. 

Secondly, why they persecute and injure you. Thirdly, that 
all saints, as also Christ Jesus himself, have suffered and all the 
pious must suffer persecution ; as may be seen. Fourthly, how 
futile all their arguments are, with which they try to excuse 
themselves of their bloody deeds, accusing us, as though they 
did right, and we merited every kind of punishment and dis- 
grace. 

Fifthly, how profitable and advantageous to us is the cross of 
Christ, which, for sake of the Lord's word, we must take up and 
bear daily, since it is our desire to hear, believe and obey Christ 
Jesus. Now, if you consider with discretion, according to the 
scriptures, and reflect, in purity of heart, upon these five points, 
I have not the least doubt that this exercise will afford you 
invincible strength, and an invulnerable armor and shield against 
all tribulation, persecution and distress. 

Finally, I beseech and exhort you to consider with earnest 
diligence that which is promised to all the conquering soldiers 
of Christ Jesus in the world to come, namely, the eternal, incor- 
ruptible kingdom, the crown of glory, and the life unending and 
immortal. (1 Pet. 1 ; Heb. 10 ; 2 Tim. 4.) Therefore,. thou 
people of God ! equip thyself and make ready for battle, not 
with external weapons and armor, as the blood-thirsty bar- 
barous world, but with the firmness of confidence, the tranquillity 
of patience, and the vehement ardor of prayer. There is no 
alternative, the combat of the cross must be maintained, and 
the wine-press of affliction must be trodden. thou bride and 

27* 



318 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

sister of Christ, prepare thyself; the thorny crown must pierce 
thy head ; and the nails transfix thy hands and feet ; thy person 
must be scourged, and thy face spit upon. Gird thyself round 
about, and be prepared ; for thou must go forth with thy Lord 
and Bridegroom without the city, bearing his reproach. (Heb. 
13.) On Golgotha thou must offer up thy sacrifice. Awake 
and pray, for thy enemies are more numerous than the hairs of 
thy head, more innumerable than the sand of the sea. (Esd. 16 ; 
Tob. 7.) Though their hearts, hands, feet, and swords are ex- 
ceedingly red, and stained with blood, be not dismayed; for God 
is thy leader. Thy life on earth is an incessant warfare. Strive 
valiantly, and thou shalt receive the promised crown. 

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, 
which is in the midst of the paradise of God, and of the hidden 
and heavenly manna. (Rev. 1.) 

Him that overcometh will God make a pillar in his temple, 
and will write upon him his name and the name of the new Jeru- 
salem. 

He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. 
He that overcometh, the same shall he clothed in white raiment ; 
and his name shall not be blotted out of the book of life, but 
Christ Jesus will confess his name before his heavenly Father, 
and before his angels. (Rev. 3.) 

He that overcometh shall sit with Christ in his throne, even 
as Christ overcome, and has sat down with his Father on his 
throne. 

thou soldier of God, prepare thyself and fear not! The 
wine-press thou must tread ; thou must go the narrow way, and 
enter in through the strait gate unto eternal life. (Matt 7.) 

The Lord is thy strength, thy refuge and consolation ; he flies 
with thee to foreign lands ; he is with thee in fire and in water ; 
he will never leave thee, nor forsake thee ; yea, he will come 
quickly, and his great reward shall be with him. 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness* 
sake ; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5.) 

Be not grieved that thou are black ; (Cant. 1) thou art still 
comely and pleasing to the King. 

As a rose thou must grow among thorns, and be stung with 
the prickles. (Ps. 44.) Rejoice for the King delighteth in thy 
comeliness. 

Thotfgh in his first appearance he was offered as an innocent 
Lamb, and opened not his mouth, yet the time shall come when 
he will appear in judgment as a triumphant Prince and a vic- 
torious King. (Tsa.^53; Chap. 42.) Then will our persecutors 
look upon him whom they pierced. (Rev. 1,) then will they cry 
aloud and exclaim : Ye mountains fall upon us, hide us ye 



OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 319 

hills, (Rev. 6.) But you shall leap and dance in excessive joy 
like calves of the stall. (Matt. 4.) Joy and exultation will 
never forsake you ; for your King, Bridegroom and Redeemer, 
Christ Jesus, will remain with you forever ; there shall be no 
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be 
any more pain ; and all tears shall be wiped away from your eyes. 
(Rev. 21.) 

Praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God, shall flow from 
your mouth in an eternal stream. I repeat it, strive, the crown 
of glory is prepared, — shrink not, neither draw back ; for yet a 
little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. 
The just shall live by faith : but if you draw back the Lord's 
soul shall have no pleasure in you. (Hab. 2 ; Heb. 10.) 

Take heed and watch, lest the fire of the cross consume you 
as wood, hay and stubble, (2 Cor. 3 ; Matt. 7) and the rains and 
storms of persecution overthrow the house. (Matt. 13.) Let not 
the heat of the sun wither the cross, lest like the dog you turn 
again to that which you have ejected. (2 Pet. 2.) Let not your 
garments and your feet, which you have washed, become un- 
clean, lest seven worse spirits enter you, and so the last error be 
worse than the first. (Luke 12.) 

Therefore, beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, fear God 
with all your heart, and with all your souls, and seek him with 
all your powers. Watch night and day ; knock before the throne 
of his mercy, that with his paternal hand he may support you 
under every affliction, succor you in trouble and distress, and 
faithfully preserve you in his way, word and truth, (Ps. 91,) 
that you may not dash your feet against a stone, and so failing 
in your profession and your life, be overcome and disgraced ; 
but that you may preserve the treasure, intrusted to your care, 
pure and untarnished against that day, and thus obtain, with all 
saints, the promised land, inheritance, kingdom, life and crown. 
May the Father of mercies and of love, grant this unto you and 
us through his blessed son, Jesus Christ, in the power of his 
eternal Holy Spirit, to his praise, and everlasting glory. Amen 
and Amen. 

Here according to 'promise, (page 288) the christian reader 
is presented with an account of the unheard of, newly invented \ 
dreadful martyrdom of the christians and believers. An ex- 
tract from Eusebius and others, fyc, §"c. The author appended 
this with thehope that it would be well received — "Concerning 

HUMILITY AND MEEKNESS OF THE BELIEVING MARTYRS OF THAT 

day." (Eus. B. V. C. 3.) Presented as a mirror for the pres- 
ent time. 

They followed Christ Jesus in all humility, although they 
were oft made martyrs. 



320 OF THE CROSS OP CHRIST. 

However they did not call themselves martyrs nor consented 
that others should call them such ; but when even one of us called 
them martys they reproved us severely, saying : That this name 
properly belonged to Christ, who alone was the true and faith- 
ful Martyr and witness of the truth, the first born of the dead 
and the Restorer of eternal life. Or that this name could only 
appropriately be given to those, who after laying off a testimony 
had departed this life and gone to God. But we, (say they,) as 
humble poor people, wish alone to adhere undeviatingly to the 
confession, and therefore, they entreated the other brethren 
with tears, that they would pray to God that they might obtain 
the witness of a martyr; (full confession) and they were so 
humble, though in truth they were martyrs, still they avoided 
the honor of the name. But among the heathens they acted 
with all constancy, showed great magnanimity, by scorning the 
offered insults, and through patience suffered. For among the 
brethren they were meek, among persecutors brave, a terror to 
the refractory, subject to Christ, opposing the devil ; they hum- 
ble themselves under the mighty hand of God, by which they 
are now exalted; they favored all, they accused none, relieve 
all, bound none ; prayed for those who persecuted them, as did 
Stephen, saying ; Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. The 
devil opposed them powerfully, because they out of great love, 
in Christ Jesus, restored the fallen, whom the devil would fain 
have devoured. They entreated God to give them grace and 
constancy, lest they might depart from the church and become 
a prey to the devil. 

They preferred peace before every thing else, and commanded 
us to maintain peace. They were martyred without cause and 
were conscious that they made no discord among the brethren 
and no grief to the church ; but they admonished assiduously, 
that we should by all means maintain and preserve peace, and 
cherish love, which is the bond of union. 

These things we mentioned for the benefit of the reader, be- 
cause they have been recommended by worthy and beloved 
men. And on account of those who deal so haughty with the 
brethren — and when the pious err through weakness, they have 
no compassion upon them, as if Christ should have no mercy on 
them. We will further relate what we found in the aforemen- 
tioned book. There was one among the number apprehended 
for Christ's sake, called Alcibiades, he led a strict, zealous life, 
he would use no sustenance except bread and water. And as he 
was determined to live thus abstemious in prison, it was made 
known to Allalas, that Alcibiades did wrong, because he would 
not rightly use the creatures of God, lest he might cause others 
to take offence thereat. But when Alcibiades was informed of 



OP THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 321 

the matter, he then enjoyed all things with thanksgiving, for 
there was a spirit which taught him and persuaded him to 
obey, &c. 

Afterwards, Montanus, Alcibiades and Theodotius were re- 
garded by many in the land of Phrygia as prophets, for in those 
days many favors were granted to some of the churches through 
the gift of the Holy G-host, so they believed that there was im- 
parted the gift of prophecy. And when great contention rose 
among the brethren, the churches in France again issued their 
sentence, with all discipline, reverence and the true exposition 
of the faith, and brought forward the epistles of the martyrs, 
who among them ended their lives, which they wrote in their 
prisons to the brethren in Asia and Phrygia, &c. 

The whole Bible, especially the 11th chapter of the epistle to 
the Hebrews, speaks of the great crosses, tribulation, the mar- 
tyrdom and deaths of the believers. Here we read of inhuman, 
cruel torturirtgs, such as was not heard before nor since. Boil- 
ing water and oil were poured upon their naked bodies — they 
were placed upon red hot gridirons and roasted there ; their 
members were pierced through with sharp pointed instruments 
— they were scourged, and red hot irons were applied to their 
limbs — sharp thorns were thrust into their posterior and privates 
— other indignities were offered not to be mentioned — hot pitch 
was thrown into their faces — their eyes were bored out with 
pointed irons, —they were beaten from head to foot with clubs- 
they were dragged through the streets by their feet — they were 
suspended and their flesh torn from them with pincers, that 
their bodies were all raw, then vinegar, salt and lime were mixed 
and poured upon them, they were then rolled about upon thorns, 
potsherds, broken glass and other sharp instruments, and then 
placed the tortured body upon a gridiron, and roasted them 
lingeringly to protract the pain — rolling the mangled body 
backward and forward upon the gridiron till the ghost was 
given up. 

They were cast before beasts of prey, such as lions, bears, and 
leopards ; and before infuriated bulls — and after repeated tor- 
tures, were again cast into prison, and after a short time tor- 
tured them anew, which was repeated often, as we read of Ma- 
turo, Sanato, Allalo and others ; and above all the amiable Blan- 
dina, whom they tortured six different ways — she may properly be 
called the pattern of martyrs. Others died in prison on ac- 
count of their excruciating pains; some were starved to death 
— some women they hung up by the feet and suffocated with of- 
fensive smoke — flayed them, led them about on camels, and tore 
them to pieces with tongs"; — cast them into privies — their bones 
were broken, and they were cast into clefts of rocks ; their heads 



322 OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

were bruised so much till the brain ran down upon the earth — cut 
off their sinews and veins then thrust them down precipices — they 
were first severely tortured, butchered like swine and then cast 
into the sea — their abdomen was cut open and barley strewn in, 
and in this condition let hogs devour them — yea, some of the 
tyrants, for fierce anger ate pieces of their livers — they watched 
day and night, lest their remains would be taken and buried! — 
they were smeared over with honey and lard, and suspended in 
baskets in the air for the flies, wasps and bees to eat them — 
women and virgins were stripped stark naked, and while thus ex- 
posed, they suspended them by one leg, forcing the head down 
and leaving them in this position for one day — they cutoff their 
breasts — horrible ! horrible to relate ! ! — melted lead they poured 
into their secrets — forced red hot spears in ! — applied red hot iron 
— sturdy trees they bent down and tied a leg fast to two trees 
and then let them spring up again, and thus tore the women — 
took sharp splinters of pine wood, forced them under the nails 
of their hands, and then set them on fire — melted lead they 
poured down their backs. Twenty sharp pointed pieces were 
forced under the nails of one Benjamin of Persia, this was not 
enough, they forced a sharp rugged tube into his urethra— and 
this was repeatedly done — after this a rod full of thorns was ta- 
ken and forced into his posteriors, till the valiant man gave up the 
ghost. — It is impossible, nay, incredible, with a few words to 
describe the unheard of cruelties and tortures which were prac- 
ticed — besides these other modes of torturing were invented, 
and he that succeeded in inventing the most cruel mode was 
highly honored : The number that were slain, like beasts, was 
so great that even the executioners became fatigued and their 
swords became dull. 

One king in Persia, as history relates, had sixteen thousand 
slain. But the more the christians were opposed the more 
their number increased, so powerfully did Christ reign in them, 
that the heathens themselves said : The christian Hood is a true 
seed, §"<?. 



PLEASING MEDITATION 



AND 



DEVOUT CONTEMPLATION, 



TOGETHER WITH 



CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES EOR A TROUBLED AND ANXIOUS 

CONSCIENCE, WHICH IS OPPOSED BY THE WORLD, 

ELESH, HELL, DEATH AND THE DEYIL. 



ON THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM,. 

CALLED IN LATIN 

gib it hbnbx mxmnm mtnm f 

EXPLAINED BY WAY OF SUPPLICATION. 



In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and "he heard me. Deliver my soul, 
Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. — Psalm cxx. 1, 2. 

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus 
Christ— 1 Cor. iii. 11. 



PREFACE. 



Dear Reader, it is evident, that I am charged behind my back 
with many slanders and lies of the envious, hence I have sought 
briefly to express the feelings of my whole heart, ground, spirit, faith, 
doctrine, seeking, &c, in short prayers on the twenty-fifth psalm ; not 
with words of human wisdom, nor logically or rhetorically ; for 
these I possess not ; but in a simple narration of my heart, to show 
the different dispositions of a true and false Christian, with the whole 
ground and hope of my faith, what I maintain concerning Christ 
Jesus, of his doctrine, baptism, supper, ordinance, command and pro- 
hibition. Again : How I am disposed towards lords and princes, and 
towards all who yet sit in the darkness of their unbelief, and know 
not the light of truth ; and that I seek nothing else upon earth, nor 
shall seek by the grace of God, than the pure word of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and that* according to the contents of the scriptures. 

If I do err, which I hope, by the grace of God, is not the case, I 
do pray every one, for the Lord's sake, that I may not be put to 
shame ; if any one has more powerful writings and convincing truth, 
that he through brotherly exhortation and instruction would assist 
me, I desire with my heart to accept of it, if he is right. Deal with 
me as Christ's spirit and word teach ; if any one can convince me of 
an error, by the scriptures, and if I will not renounce it, but continue 
obstinate to the word of God and brotherly admonition, then practice 
upon me the tyranny of Nero, Diocletian, or Maxeritius, as an obdu- 
rate and ungodly heretic ; for this I stand prepared, although this 
would be contrary to the usages and doctrines of the first church ; for 
it is evident, that they persecuted not on account of faith, much less 
did they kill them, but the erring and heretical they faithfully admon- 
ished, and those who would not return were then excommunicated. 
(Tit. 3.) 

Afterwards, in the time of Arius, they exiled them. Ultimately 
antichrist's bloody tyranny generally prevailed. All had to suffer 
who did not agree with the Pope in his abominations. It is yet the 
case, which alas ! may be plainly seen in many places. 

Many who have neither seen nor heard me, called me a deceiving 
heretic. This must be all endured. I am not better than the pious 
fathers, who had to hear and suffer ; nevertheless, I feel disposed to 
give my life, if it would induce the world rightly to understand my 
seeking, faith and doctrine ; for I assuredly know that I have the 
word of God. My reader, pervert not what I write. I desire nothing 
else, before God, who created me, than to deal plainly, with a living 
voice, before every one, as one willing to be overcome by the spirit 
of Christ, or to overcome ; for my desire is that I and many with me 
be saved ; hence, it is unnecessary to use the sword against me ; if I 
have not the truth, I desire with all my heart to be instructed in it ; 

28 



326 PREFACE. 

but if I have-, yon then do not persecute me, but him, who is the 
truth, Christ Jesus. 

Again, I say, with Christ's spirit and word I desire to overcome, or 
to be overcome ; in this I appeal to all the world. But it is in vain — 
the truth they will reject, and maintain and defend lies with the 
sword ; for it is the true disposition and manner of antichrist to de- 
fame, slander, apprehend, torture, burn and murder, contrary to the 
spirit and word of God. But the Lord will see and judge it. (2 
Chron. 14.) 

I would, therefore, faithfully admonish the reader, that he would 
zealously and earnestly strive after the kingdom of God, and examine 
this Psalm with assiduity, — every word of it, with a submissive, hum- 
ble heart ; I hope he will find, by the grace of God, iia the examina- 
tion, and see clearly, the true difference between a believer and an 
unbeliever. 

May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant the reader a 
zealous, ardent heart, a sincere, active faith, unfeigned christian love, 
and obedience to his holy word, through Christ Jesus, his beloved 
Son our Lord, to him be everlasting praise. Amen, 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM 
EXPLAINED BY WAY OF SUPPLICATION. 

Unto thee, Lord, do I lift up my soul, my God, I trust 
in thee ; let me not be ashamed. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, Lord of heaven and earth, I 
call thee Lord, though I am not worthy to be called thy ser- 
vant ; from my youth I did not serve thee, but thy enemy, the 
devil ; him I served diligently, nevertheless, I do not doubt thy 
grace ; for I find in the word of thy truth that thou art a boun- 
tiful, rich Lord to all those who call upon thee. Therefore, I 
call unto thee: Lord hear me, hear me, Lord! (Matt. 11; 
Joel 1 ; Rom. 10.) With full confidence and assurance, I lift 
up, not my head or my hands as the hypocrites do in the syna- 
gogues, but my soul. (Matt, 6.) I lifted up my heart, not to 
Abraham, for he never knew us, nor to Israel, for he never had 
knowledge of us, but alone to thee, for thou art our Lord and 
Father, thou art our Redeemer, this is thy name of days of 
yore, as the prophet says. (Isa. 64.) Hence it is, dear Lord, 
that I trust in thee, for I truly know that thou art a faithful 
God over all who trust in thee. (Isa. 43.) If I am in darkness, 
thou art my light ; am I in prison, thou art with me; am I for- 
saken, thou art my comfort; am I in death, thou art my life ; 
if they curse me, thou dost bless ; if they grieve me, thou dost 
comfort; (Ps. 9,) if they wilt slay me, thou wilt raise me up ; 
and if I walk in the dark valley, thou wilt ever be with me. 
(Ps. 9.) It is right, O Lord, that I lift up my grieved and mis- 
erable soul to thee, trust in thy promise, and am not ashamed. 
(Ps. 23.) 

Let not mine enemies triumph over me ; yea, let none that 
wait on thee be ashamed. 

Lord of hosts, Lord of lords, I am weak, miserable and in 
great distress ; nevertheless, I fear not the sensual scoffing of 
my enemies ; but I fear greatly, lest I deny thy adorable and 
revered name, and depart from thy truth, and that they rejoice 
over my weakness and the transgression of thy will, and mock 
me and say: Where is thy God now? Where is thy Christ? 
And that thine divine honor be thus reproached through me. 
Lord, preserve me ; keep me, Lord ! for my enemies are 
strong and many ; yea, more numerous than the hairs of my 
head, and the spires of grass in the fields; my unclean flesh is 



328 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

never at rest ; satan encompasseth me as a roaring lion, that he 
may devour me ; (Rom. 7 ; 1 Pet. 3,) the blood-thirsty, revenge- 
ful world is determined upon my life ; they also hate, persecute, 
burn and murder those who seek thy praise. Wretched man, I 
know not whither to go, misery, tribulation, fear and dread are 
on every side ; strife within, and persecution without. I say 
with king Josaphat : If I know not whither to go, 1 lift my eyes 
unto thee, and depend only on thy grace and mercy, as Abraham 
in Gerar, Jacob in Mesopotamia, Joseph in Egypt, Moses in 
Median, Israel in the wilderness, David in the mountains, Heze- 
kiah in Jerusalem, the young men in the fiery furnace, Daniel 
in the lion's den ; yea, all the pious fathers trusted in thee, and 
were not made ashamed. (2 Ohron. 23 ; Gen. 20, 28, 37 ; Exod. 
2, 15, 17 ; Isa. 36 : 1 Sam. 26 ; Dan. 3, 6 ; Ps. 11.) 

Let them be ashamed which transgress without a cause. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, even as thy merciful grace is 
over all who fear thee, so also is thy fierce ire over all who des- 
pise thee, (Exod. 34,) who walk after their lusts, and dare to 
say with all fools : There is no God ; we have made a covenant 
with death, and with hell an agreement; God knoweth not what 
we do, thick clouds are a covering to him that he seeth not the 
works of men ; we will eat and drink, to-morrow we will die ; 
(Ps. 13; Isa. 28,) for our life is short and full of trouble, and 
there is no consolation when we have gone hence ; we will live 
in affluence and use the creatures as we desire ; (Job. 22 ; 2 Cor. 
18,) we will oppress the poor, defraud the righteous, we will 
condemn him with the most disgraceful death. (Wisd. 2.) O, 
dear Lord, thus does the world err, and live every where in the 
lusts of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and in the pride of life ; (1 
John 2,) in vain deceit, unrighteousness and tyranny, wherever 
we turn. Few are they who fear thy name. Paul says : To be 
carnally minded is death ; sentence is already passed, if we live 
according to the flesh we must die, so teach the scriptures; if 
we do not repent there is nothing more certain than fierce anger. 
Therefore, dear Lord, threaten thou, reprove, admonish and 
teach, perhaps they may sometime repent, know the truth and 
be saved ; they are the works of thy hands, created after thy 
image, dearly bought, let them not be confounded like Cain, 
Sodom, Pharaoh and Antiochus with all those who have trans- 
gressed without a cause. (2 Tim. 1 ; Gen. 1, 2, 4, 1 9 ; 1 Cor. 7 ; 
1 Pet. 1 ; Exod. 14 ; 2 Mace. 9.) 

Shew me thy ways, Lord ; teach me thy paths. 

O Lord of hosts, I know through the word of thy grace that 
there is but one way which leadeth to life, which is strait and 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 329 

narrow for the flesh, (Matt. 7 ; 2 Esd. 7,) beset with thorns and 
dangers all around, and is found by few, and still fewer walk 
therein, it is like a treasure hid in a field which none can find 
but he to whom it is shown by the spirit. (Matt. 13.) Dear 
Lord, there is no way but thou alone, all who walk through 
thee will find the gates of life. (John 14.) There is another way 
which seems very pleasant to the flesh, which appears, soft, 
smooth and broad, strewed with roses, pleasant and agreeable 
to the eye, but its end leads to death. On this way the whole 
world walks, unconcerned and without fear, and prefers things 
perishable to imperishable, evil to good, and darkness to the 
light of the world. They all walk on the perverse, broad and 
crooked way ; they become faint in the way of unrighteousness, 
and know not the way of the Lord. (Wis. 5.) It is true, the 
way of error seems right in the eyes of fools, but I know through 
thy spirit and word that it is the certain road to the abyss of 
hell. Therefore, I entreat thee, dear Lord, be merciful to me a 
poor sinner, show me thy path, and teach me thy way; for thy 
way is the right way, godly and pleasant, humble, chaste, full of 
peace and of all good, and will lead my soul to eternal life. 

Lead me in thy truth and teach me : for thou art the God 
of my salvation ; on thee do I wait all the day. 

Lord ! Lord ! My tears, says David, have been my meat 
day and night. (Ps. 42.) My heart within me quakes, my 
strength forsakes me, and the light of my eyes is dim, and this 
on account of the innumerable dangers and snares which beset 
my soul. I am in constant fear lest I be led from the way of 
truth by misapprehension or through the deceit of satan. O 
Lord, the subtlety of the learned is great ; satan uses his wiles 
artfully, some teach but the doctrine and commandments of men 
which are fruitless and corrupt trees. (2 Cor. 11 ; Job. 4 ; Judges 
1.) Some cry only grace, spirit and Christ, and daily trample 
on grace, grieve the Holy Ghost, and crucify the Son with their 
vain, sensual life, as is evident. Some who had before escaped 
Babylon, Egypt and Sodom, and taken upon them the yoke and 
cross of Christ, are again devoured by satan, and so deceived 
by the false prophets, as if they had never known thy word and 
will. (Ps. 90.) Yea, seven spirits, alas ! worse than the former, 
entered them, (Luke 11,) although they cloak themselves under 
thy word, ordinances, and pretend that it was thy pleasure, 
word and will, although thou never didst think upon, much less 
didst thou desire it ; on account of which I am more grieved, 
full of sorrow of heart, well knowing that thy true word is no 
deceiving lie, as they teach, but it is the truth which thy infal- 
lible mouth taught here upon earth and in this grievous world. 

28* 



330 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

All who are of the truth hear thy voice, as the voice of their 
own shepherd, (John 17,) and the true bridegroom, but the voice 
of a stranger they flee, (John 10,) always fearing lest they might 
be deceived. Lord, remember thy afflicted and poor servant ; 
thou art a searcher of all hearts, thou knowest me that I seek 
nothing but thy will. (Jer. 8, 17.) Therefore, dear Lord, direct 
me to thy truth, and teach me ; for thou art the God of my sal- 
vation; besides thee I acknowledge none other; thou art my 
hope, my comfort, shield, defence and fortress upon which I de- 
pend with confidence, and wait upon it in fear, misery, tribula- 
tion and need. (Isa. 43.) 

Remember, Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy loving 
kindness, for they have been ever of old. 

O Lord of hosts, when I am buoyed up in the waters of thy 
grace, I find that I cannot fathom or measure them, for thy 
mercies are greater than all thy works. Who is it, Lord, that 
ever came to thee with a pious heart that thou didst reject? 
Who ever sought thee and found thee not? Who did ever de- 
sire help of thee and did not obtain it ? Who ever prayed for 
thy grace and did not receive it ? And who ever called upon 
thee that thou didst not hear? Yea, dear Lord, how many didst 
thou accept in grace, who, according to thy strict justice, mer- 
ited otherwise. Adam departed from thee and believed the 
counsel of the serpent, (Tit. 3 ; Gen. 3,) he broke thy covenant 
and was found a child of death before thee, thy paternal kind- 
ness did not reject him, but thou didst seek him graciously, thou 
didst call and reprove him, and his nudity thou didst cover with 
coats of skin, and so graciously comforted him with the prom- 
ised seed. Paul, thy chosen vessel, raved like a roaring lion and 
a devouring wolf in thy holy mountain, nevertheless, thy grace 
shone around him in his blindness and illuminated him, thou 
calledst him from heaven, and didst choose him as an holy 
apostle and as servant of thy house. I also, dear Lord, the 
greatest of all sinners, and the least among all the saints, am 
called thy child or servant, for I have sinned against heaven 
and before thee, (Luke 15,) although I did resist thy precious 
word and thy holy will, with all my powers, before this with 
open eyes, and with full understanding 1 disputed, taught and 
lived after the ease of the flesh, and sought my own praise more 
than thy righteousness, honor, word and truth; nevertheless, 
thy paternal grace did not forsake me, a wretched sinner ; but 
received me in love, converted me to another mind, led me with 
thy right hand and taught by thy Holy Ghost, till I voluntarily 
fought against the world, flesh and the devil, renounced all my 
pleasure, peace, glory, lust and the ease of the flesh, and wil- 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 331 

lingly submitted to the pressing cross of our Lord Christ Jesus, 
that I may inherit the promised kingdom with all the valiant 
of God and the disciples of Christ. Again, I say : thy mercies 
are greater than all thy works ; therefore, dear Lord assist me, 
stand by me, comfort me, a poor sinner, my soul is in great dis- 
tress, and the dangers of hell surround me ; help Lord, and 
preserve me, and be not angry; remember, Lord, thy great 
mercies, of which all are made partakers who have graciously 
waited upon thy holy name, and remember, Lord, thy tender 
mercies, and thy loving kindness, for they have been of old. 

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions ; 
according to thy mercy remember thou me, for thy goodness 1 
sake, Lord. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, I was shapen in iniquity and 
in sin did my mother conceive me, (Ps. 51,) I am of sinful flesh, 
through Adam's seed has been sown on my heart, where so much 
misery has grown up. I miserable sinner did not know my in- 
firmities, so long as they were not manifested to me by the 
spirit. I thought T was a christian ; but when I saw rightly, I 
found myself without thy word, altogether earthly, and sensual ; 
my light was darkness ; my truth was lies ; my righteousness 
sin ; my worship open idolatry ; my life certain death. dear 
Lord, I knew myself not till I viewed myself in thy word, (James 
1,) then I learned to know with Paul, my blindness, nakedness, 
uncleanness, my depraved nature, (Kom. 7 ; Gal. 3,) that nothing 
good dwelt in my fiesh, I was full of wounds, and bruises and 
putrifying sores from the sole of the foot even to the head. (Isa. 
I.) Ah, alas, ray gold was dross : my wheat chaff, all my ser- 
vices were deceit and lies, I followed before thee the things of 
the flesh, my thoughts were sensual, my words and works with- 
out the fear of God ; my watching and sleeping were unclean ; 
my prayer hypocrisy. In short, I did nothing without sin. 
Lord, remember not the sins of my youth, those committed 
knowingly and unknowingly, which were so numerously commit- 
ted, nor my daily transgressions, which I am guilty of in my great 
weakness, but remember me according to thy great goodness, I 
am blind, enlighten thou me ; naked I am, clothe thou me ; I am 
wounded, heal thou me ; dead I am, raise me up. I know of no 
shelter, light, medicine, or life except thee, accept of me gra- 
ciously, grant me thy mercy, favor and faith, fullness, and thy 
good will, Lord. (Ecc. 7 ; Gen. 3 ; John 8, 11 ; Ezek. 16 ; 
Wis. 16 ; Matt. 9 ; John 11.) 

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, will he teach sin- 
ners in the way. 

Lord of hosts, although I walk so unrighteously before thee 



332 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

from my youth, that I am ashamed to lift my eyes to thee in 
heaven, nevertheless, I appear at thy throne of grace ; for I 
know that thou art merciful and kind, and desirest not the death 
of the sinner, (Ezek. 18,) but that he repent and live. Thou 
didst send forth thy faithful servant Moses, who gave Israel the 
law by the disposition of angels, (Exod. 19, 20; Acts 7,) also 
thy servants and prophets who preached the way of repentance, 
and broke the bread of life for the people, (Deut. 5 ; Gal. 3,) 
sin they reproved earnestly ; proclaimed thy grace far abroad, 
and taught the truth, thy sharp piercing word was in their 
mouth, their light shone as the golden lights, they were as flow- 
ering olive trees, (Heb. 4; Exodr 25 ; Eccl. 50,) as a sweet 
smell of an apothecary, yea, as the fair mountain strewed with 
roses and lilies, (2 Esd. 1,) nevertheless, they did not desire 
them, but thrust them out furiously, derided, persecuted, and 
delivered them unto death, still the wells of thy mercy flowed, 
thou didst send thy beloved Son, the dear pledge of thy grace, 
who preached thy word, fulfilled thy righteousness, accomplished 
thy will, bore our sins, blotted them out by his word and brought 
about reconciliation, conquered the devil, hell, sin and death ; 
and obtained grace, mercy, favor and peace for all, who truly 
believe on him, (John 3, 12 ; 1 John 4 ; 2 John 1 ; Rev. 1,) his 
command is eternal life, he sent out his messengers and minis- 
ters of peace, his apostles, who spread this grace abroad through 
the whole world, (Matt. 28 ; Mark 16,) who shone as bright 
burning torches before all, that they might lead me and all erring 
sinners into the true way. Lord, not unto me, but unto thee 
be praise and honor, (Ps. 115,) their;, words I love, their usages 
I observe, thy Son Christ Jesus whom they preached to me, I 
believe, I seek his will and way, thy abundant, great love I know, 
not through me, but through thee, for thou art good, and I am 
evil, thou art true, and I am deceitful ; thou art righteous, and 
I am unrighteous ; instruct me, dear Lord; teach me in the 
right way, foster me for I am of thy pasture, take me into thy 
tabernacle, under the shadow of thy wings, protect me ; for I 
am greatly tormented, I am poor and wretched, and am grieved 
unto death. 

The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek he will 
teach his way. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, thy divine grace has shone 
around me, thy word has taught me, thy Holy Spirit has influ- 
enced me till I forsook the course of the ungodly, the way of 
sinners, the seat of scorners, (Ps. 1,) I was ungodly, and carried 
the standard of unrighteousness for many years ; I was a chief 
one in all manner of folly ; idle words, vanity, gambling, drink- 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 333 

ing, eating to excess were my pastime ; the fear of God was not 
before my eyes, besides, I was a lord and a prince in Babel, 
every one sought me, the world loved me and had my affections, 
I had the first place at feasts and in synagogues ; I had the pre- 
ference among all men, I was respected of the aged, every one 
revered me ; when I spoke, they were silent ; when I nodded, 
they came ; when I bid them depart, they went ; what I desired, 
they did ; my words prevailed in all things ; the desire of my 
heart was granted ; but as soon as I, with Solomon, saw that all 
was vanity, and with Paul, esteemed all as nothing, (Phil. 3 ; 
Ezek. 1, 2, 10,) renounced the ungodliness of this world, sought 
thee and thy kingdom which will abide in eternity, I have found 
everywhere the counterpart and reverse; before I was honored, 
now I am dishonored ; before all was love, now hatred ; before I 
had friends, now they are my enemies ; before I was considered 
wise, now a fool ; before pious, now wicked ; before a christian, 
now a heretic ; yea, I have become an abomination and evil-doer 
to all. Lord, comfort me, preserve thy troubled servant ; for 
I am exceedingly poor and wretched, my sins rise up against me, 
the whole world hates, and mocks me ; lords and princes perse- 
cute me ; the learned curse and slander me ; my dearest friends 
forsake me, and those who were near me, stand aloof : who will 
have mercy on me and receive me ? Miserable am I, dear Lord, 
have mercy on me and receive me with honor ; for there is none 
that can preserve me, but thou ; therefore, I entreat the Lord, 
vouchsafe thine ear to supplication, lead me by the right hand, 
lead me in the right way lest I stumble upon the dark moun- 
tains. (Jer. 13.) I see that the children of men do neither teach 
nor do right; deceit and hypocrisy are in all flesh, (Rom. 3;) 
the deceiving sects are great and many ; every one avers his as 
if it were built upon a rock, yet they have not thy truth. There- 
fore, dear Lord, teach me thy truth and cast me not off from thy 
presence, for I am miserable, I am in the midst of lions and 
bears, which seek to destroy my soul, and thrust me from the 
way of truth. Lord, strengthen me, keep me in thy way for 
I assuredly know that it is infallible truth and the sure way of 
peace. 

All the paths of the Loed are mercy and truth unto such as 
keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

Lord of hosts, they all boast of thy grace and favor, although 
they, in all their works, prove themselves children of wrath; 
they lie and cheat, eat and drink, are guilty of adultery and 
fornication, they covet and hoard up, curse and swear without 
bounds, and all this they cloak with thy grace and the blood of 
Christ : every one sings lustily : The mercy of the Lord is great 



334 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

— Christ died for our sins — our doings are unjust, sinful and 
fruitless. It is true, dear Lord, in the true sense of the word, 
that they have no lot in thee, and their hope is vain, their labor 
is without fruit, and their works useless ; yea, their hope is like 
thistle-down before the winds, (Wis. 4, 5 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; 
Eph. 5 ; Ps. 103,) they will have no part in thy kingdom ; for 
they are still impenitent, and believe not thy truth. Alas ! they 
know not that thy mercy is forever over those who fear thee 
and keep thy covenant. (Ps. 34.) Thy goodness, says David, is 
extended to the saints, thine eyes are upon the righteous, and 
thy ears are open to their cries, but thy face is against them 
that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 
(1 Pet. 3.) I am thy friend if I do what thou didst command. 
(John 15.) It is true, dear Lord, that Christ was bestowed to 
us, and died for us, but not in such a way that we are to live 
according to our wicked lusts, and sinful will, but according to 
thy good will, word and command. Lord, I know that thou art 
no less righteous than good, thou hatest the evil, and lovest the 
good, (Prov. 18,) for to the good thou art kind, but to the wicked 
thou wilt in due time appear as a righteous Judge. What did 
the pure blood of the eternal covenant demand of Cain and 
Judah, because they despised thy grace and excluded themselves 
from the merits of thy Son? (1 Cor. 1.) What does it profit 
Pilate, Herod, Annas, and Caiaphas to have seen thy fountain 
of grace, Jesus Christ — nay, touched him, and yet condemned to 
the accursed death of the cross, the immaculate Lamb, the King 
of glory ! But they, who, like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, 
Isaac and Jacob, did, keep thy covenant and preserve thy testi- 
mony, to them thy ways are peace and joy; yea, altogether 
mercy, kindness and truth. (Lev. 22 ; Gal. 3.) 

For thy name's sake, Lord, pardon mine iniquity ; for 
it is great. 

Lord, Lord ! I pray thee with holy David, (Ps. 3, 6,) rebuke 
me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure ; 
for my loins are filled with a loathsome disease, and there is no 
soundness in my flesh ; my sins have borne me down ; there is 
no peaee in my bones. From the bottom of my heart I humble 
myself with beloved Daniel. (Dan. 9.) dear Lord ! thou 
great and terrible God ! I have sinned, and done unjustly 
before thee I have been ungodly, I wandered from thee 
and walked not in thy commands and statutes, they pre- 
ferred grace, I rejected ; thy holy word I thrust from me ; thy 
beloved Lord I crucified, I grieved thy Holy Spirit, I acted un- 
justly in all my doings. O Lord, the multitude of my sius 
frighten me, there is no evil but what I am guilty of. I was as 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 335 

envious as Cain ; proud and unchaste as Sodom ; unmerciful as 
Pharaoh; refractory as Korah ; lascivious as Simri; disobedient 
as Saul ; idolatrous as Jeroboam ; hypocritical as Joab ; haughty 
as Nebuchadnezzar; covetous as Balaam ; drunken as Nabal ; 
insolent as Sanacherib ; blasphemous as Rabsaces; blood- 
thirsty as Herod ; lying as Annanias. (Gen. 4, 18 ; Exod. 14 ; 
Num. 16, 34, 25 ; 1 Sam. 15 ; 1 King 13 ; Dan. 4 ; Isa. 36, 37 ; 
Acts 5, 11.) Yea, I say with king Manasseh : That my sins 
are more numerous than the sands of the sea shore and the 
stars in the heavens ; they trouble by day and by night ; nothing 
good dwells in my flesh. (Rom. 7.) All that I seek is un- 
righteousness and sin ; that which I would not that I seek and 
do ; I miserable man know not whither to go ; if I go into my- 
self, I find great faults, impure desires, a vessel of sins ; if I go 
to my neighbor, he has nothing to give me, but here nothing else 
avails, but thy word only. (Wis. 16.) The wages of sin, says 
Paul, is death ; but thy grace is eternal life. This grace I seek 
and desire ; for this is the only ointment which can heal my 
soul. This is what the sinful woman availed herself of, (Luke 
7,) as soon as she was sensible of her wants. This is what 
wounded David availed himself of when he disgraced Bathsheba 
the wife of Uriah, and slew him. (2 Sam. 12.) Great was his 
distress, he saw his wickedness and said : I have sinned against 
the Lord. He desired balm ; God ! said he, according to the 
multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions, 
wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from 
my sin. (Ps. 51.) In the same hour he heard the gracious 
word of the prophet : Thy sins are forgiven thee. His troubled 
heart was quieted — he praised his name, proclaimed his mercy, 
and exalted his grace above all his works. Lord I O dear 
Lord ! I a grieved sinner, have the same disease, I desire the 
Fame balm, and I do desire help from them ; I seek only com- 
fort with thee, O Lord, for thy holy name's sake. Help me, 
that I may eternally praise thee. Wash me from all my sins, 
and be merciful to me in all my transgressions, for they are 
great. 

What man is lie that feareth the Lord? Him he shall teach 
in the way that he shall choose. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, thy path is the path of peace 
blessed is he that walketh therein ; for we find mercy, love, 
righteousness, humility, obedience and patience in her ways. 
She clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, she gives drink to the 
thirsty, entertains the needy, she reproves, threatens, comforts 
and admonishes ; she is temperate, honest and chaste, upright 
in all her ways ; none takes offence at her, her goings forth are 



336 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

to eternal life, but few there are that find her. I fear dear 
Lord, that there are scarce ten of a thousand that find her, 
scarce five who cherish her ; it continues as it was from the 
beginning, when there were but four upon earth of whom the 
scriptures testify that two of them were disobedient, and a third 
one slew his brother. There were eight righteous when the 
world was drowned, one of them mocked his father. In Sodom 
and Gomorrah, with the adjacent country, there were four 
righteous persons, one looked back and was changed into a pillar 
of salt. (Gen. 3, 9.) More than six hundred thousand valiant 
men left Egypt, of whom but two entered the promised land, 
(Num. 22, 26, 14,) not, dear Lord, that all were damned who 
died on the way, but they did not on account of their unbelief 
inherit the promised Canaan. (Ileb. 3, 4.) Thus also, dear 
Lord, is the eternal land promised us, if we otherwise walk the 
way which thou hast chosen for us. (Prov. 16.) But now they 
walk the crooked way of death, and even as those did not in- 
herit the temporal, so will also these not inherit the eternal 
Canaan. Lord, well may I sigh and say : Where is he who 
fears the Lord? Where is he, who has understanding? Where 
is he, who seeks after God? They are all gone out of the way, 
they are together become unprofitable : there is none that doeth 
good, no, not one ! Their throats are as an open sepulchre, 
with their tongues they have used deceit : The poison of asps is 
tinder their lips, their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction 
and misery are in their ways. The way of peace they have not 
known ; thy fear is not before their eyes ; all that is among them 
is infidelity and lies, they despise thy righteousness yet they 
sing and speak much of thy truth, and glory in thy great name 
although there is not one ripe grape on their vine, nor any good 
fruit to be found with them. But those who fear thee, Lord, 
depart from all iniquity ; For thy fear (says Sirach, Chap. 2) 
dispels sin and is the beginning of wisdom. Thine eyes are 
upon those who fear thee, thy Holy Spirit leads them, thy 
gracious hand preserves them, they will fear not nor tremble ; 
for thou art their protector and shelter against intense heat, 
thou didst pardon their sins ; rescue them, thou dost enlighten 
them, makest glad their souls, givest them grace, blessing and 
peace. (Ecc. 34.) He that fears thee, walks upright in all 
his ways, for thou teachest him in the way that he shall 
choose. 

His soul shall dwell at ease ; and his seed shall inherit the 
earth. 

Lord, thou Lord of hosts! those who know thee shall be 
blessed in the paradise of their God, upon Mount Zion, in the. 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 337 

heavenly Jerusalem, in the church of the living God — in the 
assembly of the righteous whose names are written in heaven. 
They are released from hell, sin, the devil and death, and they 
serve before thee in peace and joy of heart through life. They 
repose without fear, for thou art their strength and shield. They 
rest under the shadow of thy wings, (Lev. 26,) for they are 
thine. They freeze not, for thou warmest them with the beams 
of thy love — they hunger not, for thou feedest them with the 
• bread of life ; (John 6;) they thirst not, for thou givest them to 
drink of the waters of the Holy Ghost ; they want not, for thou 
art their treasure and their wealth. They dwell in the house of 
thy peace, in the tabernacles of righteousness, and in sure 
peace. (Isa. 52 ; Ps. 1.) They have pleasure in thy law, and 
speak of thy word day and night, with all the people. They 
wash their souls in the clear waters of thy truth. (Wis. 7.) 
They view their consciences in the clear mirror of thy wisdom 
— their thoughts are upright, their words are words of grace, 
seasoned with salt. (James 1 ; Matt. 5.) Their words are 
faithful and true. The light of their piety shines around them, 
what they seek they find, what they desire they obtain, their 
souls dwell in the fulness of thy goodness ; the dew of thy 
grace has sprinkled them ; the soil of their consciences bear 
wine and oil without measure, and although they must endure in 
their flesh, for a time, much misery and suffering and trouble, 
yet they know well that the way of the cross is the way of life. 
They are not ashamed of the way of the cross and the weapons 
of the Lord. (Acts 14.) They patiently go with Christ to the 
conflict, and contend valiantly, till they have reached the boun- 
dary of life, and have received the crown. (Heb. 12 ; 2 Tim. 2; 
Phil. 3.) Nothing can hinder them, since they have become 
partakers of thy spirit, and have tasted of thy sweetness. They 
neither waver nor turn aside ; their house stands firmly upon a 
rock, (Matt. 7,) they are as the pillars of the holy temple, they 
have eaten of thy hidden manna. (Rev. 3, 5.) Lord, to thee 
be praise ! Thy fear abides continually before their eyes. They 
walk in thy way, therefore, shall their souls be blessed, and 
their seed, if born of the Holy Spirit and word, will enjoy the 
land of everlasting life. (Ps. 142,) wherein thou, and thy chosen 
shall reign in endless glory. 

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he 
will shoiv them his covenant. 

Oh. Lord, Lord, the thoughts of my heart terrify me, and my 
heart trembles within me; because, with Ezra, (1 Ezra 7,) I 
perceive so many born in vain. What shall I say, dear Lord? 
Shall I say that thou hast ordained the wicked to wickedness, 

29 



338 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

as some have said ? Be that far from me ; T know, Lord, that 
thou art eternally good, and that nothing wicked can be found 
in thee. We are the works of thy hand, created in Christ Jesus 
to good works, that we should walk therein. (Eph. 5.) Water 
and fire, life and death, hast thou left to our choice. (Gal. 15.) 
Thou wiliest not the death of the sinner, but that he would re- 
pent and live. (Ezek. 18.) Thou art the eternal light, therefore 
hatest thou all darkness ; (1 John 1,) thou desirest not that any 
should perish, but that all repent, come to the knowledge of thy 
truth, and be happy. (2 Pet. 3 ; 2 Tim. 2.) dear Lord, how 
grievously have they blasphemed thine unspeakably great good- 
ness, thy eternal mercy, and thy almighty Majesty, that they, O 
God, the Creator of all things, and God of all grace, have made 
thee to be as the devil, by saying that thou art the source of all 
evil, but thou art the Father of days and of lights. It is plain 
that evil cannot flow from good, nor light from darkness, nor 
life from death ; yet must their stubborn hearts and fleshly 
minds be attributed to thy will, in order that they may continue 
upon the broad way, and have a cover for their sins. They 
neither know thy divine goodness, nor their own inbred wicked- 
ness. Lord, thou hast loved us with an eternal love, thou 
hast chosen us before the foundation of the world, (Jer. 31,) 
that we should be unblamable, and holy before thee in love, not 
regarding what we find written by the faithful Paul concerning 
Esau, Pharaoh and Israel ; (Eph. 1 ; Rom. 9,) he hath done all 
for us, for the best, in order that we should give the honor to 
thy name, and not to ourselves. What have we miserable sin- 
ners of which we may boast? (Ps. 114.) What have we that 
we have not received? All that we have is of thy fulness. (1 
Cor. 4 ; John 1.) For this, all who know thy word thank thee. 
O dear Lord, the mystery of thy holy word is not revealed to 
the rich, the honorable, or the wise, but to the poor simple 
children. (1 Cor. 2.) Yea, Father, said Christ, such was thy 
good pleasure. (Matt. 11 ; Luke 11.) Isaiah says : (Chap. 66) 
Thou wilt look upon the miserable, and those who are of a 
broken spirit, and who fear thy word. Then, dear Lord, lead 
us in thy truth ; teach us thy mysteries ; enable us rightly to 
know the power of thy covenant, that thou art ours, and we are 
thine — that covenant which thou hast made with us in Christ, 
without any merit on our part. (Tit. 3.) For thy mystery will 
be found with those who fear thee and those to whom thou hast 
made known thy covenant. 

Mine eyes are ever toivards the Lord, for he shall plucJc my 
feet out of the net. 

O Lord! thou who bearest rule ! If thou shouldst mark ini- 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 339 

quity, who could stand? (Ps. 130.) I, a miserable, great sinner, 
have, with the full lust of my heart, turned to all folly, to gold 
and silver, to pride and haughtiness, to strange and forbidden 
flesh. I have turned mine eyes to open idolatry, to wood and 
stone, and have served them many years, upon high mountains 
and under green trees, as the prophet said : (Isa. 66.) My 
idolatry was according to the number of my days. I have 
bowed my knee before the graven and molten image, and said : 
Save me, for thou art my God. I sought sight from the blind, 
life from the dead, and help from those who could not preserve 
themselves from dust, corruption, thieves and worms. (Bar. 6.) 
Yes, I have said to a weak, perishable creature, that grew out 
of the earth, was broken in a mill, baked by the fire, chewed 
with my teeth, and consumed by my stomach — to a mouthful of 
bread : Thou hast released me ; as Israel said to the golden 
calf: Eejoice, Israel! these be thy gods, which have led thee 
forth from Egypt. God ! thus have I, a miserable sinner, 
courted the whore of Babylon for many years, for I supposed 
that she was modest, honest and chaste — a queen of righteous- 
ness, who was glorious, holy and acceptable before thine eyes, 
for I saw her adorned with purple and scarlet, with gold and 
precious stones, and pearls, a golden cup in her hand, powerful 
over all kings upon earth. Therefore, I knew not that she was 
so very loathsome and polluted ; that there was in such a 
splendid cup so much abomination, that she was such an un- 
blushing, impudent whore and murderess; that deceived the 
world, persecuted the chosen, and drank the blood of the saints. 
But now I have seen her abominations, and I quake, because I 
left thee so long, the living well, and comforted myself with 
useless pools, that can give no water, (Jer. 2,) that I gave thy 
honor to images and other creatures, and worshipped the 
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (Rom. 
1.) This happened, in part, through the deceitfulness of my 
eyes, because I was bewitched in my heart, by the goodly ap- 
pearance of the woman. But now, dear Lord, my eyes are 
directed unto thee, till thou hearest me, they are directed to thy 
mercy seat, till I obtain grace and mercy from thee, (Heb. 1,) 
for thou alone art he, who can help me in the time of my tempta- 
tion, and pluck my feet out of the net of sin. 

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me ; for I am 
desolate and afflicted. 

Lord of hosts, my sins and transgressions I do not hide 
from thee, but unreservedly acknowledge that I spent my former 
days after the will of the heathens, and walked with them in all 
manner of ungodly lusts, pride, wantonness, in eating and drink- 



310 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

ing, and in abominable, blind idolatry. (1 Pet. 4.) I did all that 
pleased my wicked flesh, I was a child of wrath, (Eph. 2,) even 
as others ; thy holy name I held in derision ; thy word was as a 
fable to me ; in reliance upon thy grace, I did all manner of 
evil ; I was as a white- washed sepulchre, outwardly in behavior, 
chaste and mild ; there was none that reproved my conduct, but 
within I was full of dead men's bones, stench and worms, (Matt. 
23;) my platter was clean on the outside, but within full of 
rapine and lust. What I did privately is a scandal to mention, 
all my thoughts were unclean, vain, proud, ambitious and un- 
godly, (Eph. 5 ;) my heart was full of disaffection, hatred, envy, 
vengeance and dislike ; my thoughts were bent upon all manner 
of wickedness ; I sinned without bounds ; I neither feared God 
nor the devil, neither law nor gospel, heaven nor hell ; there 
was nothing that could deter me, I neither regarded thee nor 
thy word, my course was onward to all wickedness, I sought 
nothing but the friendship and love of this world, — I was guilty 
of adultery and fornication, and the like, this I did secretly, not 
on account of thy fear, but for fear of the world, lest I might 
lose the favor of men and my good name, and besides all my 
idle trifling, my drunkenness and merriness, my pride and im- 
morality, and my idolatry were called the true worship ; yea, 
all my transactions, private and public, were not concealed be- 
fore thy eyes. Thus did I, a grieved sinner, spend my days, and 
did not, God of grace, acknowledge thee as my God, Creator 
and Kedeemer, till thy Holy Ghost taught me, through thy word, 
made known to me thy will, and gave me a partial knowledge 
of thy mysteries ; now I know how dishonorably I walked before 
thee, not otherwise than if I had spit in thy face, treated thee 
with indignity and derided thee as foolish. Lord, have 
mercy upon me ; for I am desolate and afflicted ; my sins are 
great and many, my conscience troubles me, my thoughts cause 
me to quake, my heart laments and sighs, because I sin so 
heinously before thee, my sins have separated me from thee, 
hid thy countenance from me, and excited thy wrath. I have 
become a prey and brand of the burning, (Isa. 59.) though the 
longer, the more I was grieved, the more I was consoled by thy 
word, for it teaches me corncerning thy mercy, grace and favor, 
and the remission of my sins, through Christ, thy beloved Son, 
our Lord, not regarding that, I neither knew nor feared thee. 
This promise pacifies me ; this promise gladdens me, it leads 
me with the sinful woman to thy blessed feet, (Luke 7, 10,) with 
full confidence and clear conscience, well knowing that thou wilt 
not cast off from thee thy returning son, although I spent thy 
paternal inheritance and possessions dishonorably, with harlots 
and rogues, in a strange country, devoured it in my unrighteous- 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 341 

ness. My God, turn the pleasing countenance of thy peace unto 
me, I have sinned before heaven and in thy sight, (Luke 15,) 
lay thy hand of grace upon me, have mercy upon me ; for I am 
desolate and afflicted. 

The troubles of ray heart are enlarged ; bring thou me out 
of my distress. 

Lord, Lord, my heart weeps and sighs, my conscience 
quakes and trembles, my soul is as a grieved mother deprived 
of her only child and cannot be comforted, since I, an ungodly 
sinner sought not thy divine love and paternal good for many 
years. I have lived more disgracefully than an irrational 
creature, which in eating, drinking and other things, goes not 
beyond nature, not transgressing the law which is prescribed 
to it. But I lived in all unrighteousness against the imbred 
law of nature according to the lusts of my flesh. I did in part 
krrt)w that the desires of my flesh worked death. (Rom. 8.) Thy 
spirit warned me often of all wickedness, nevertheless all was 
suppressed, through my flesh. I was in all things a servant of 
sin, and had sworn unto unrighteousness. I drank down sin as 
water ; my delight was in all manner of folly and vileness ; (John 
8; Eom. 6 ; 2 Pet. 2 ; Prov. 1) the outstretched arm of thy 
grace, I saw not ; thy calling voice. I heard not ; thy inviting 
love I regarded not. In short, I hated thy knowledge, and thy 
fear I cast behind me ; and this is not all, dear Lord, that I 
acted so wickedly and lamentably in my ignorance, but I daily 
find, that my righteousness is as filthy rags ; (Isa. 64;) when I 
think that I am going, I feel that I stand, I am down, and that 
I am something, I am nothing. Therefore, Lord, preserve 
me, for the fear of my heart is very great; yea, greater than I 
can express it ; I often am as a woman in travail, my counte- 
nance is changed pale; (Jer. 30;) my hands are upon my loins 
on account of the trouble of my heart ; the dangers of hell sur- 
round me, the fatness and marrow of my bones are dried up ; 
for here neither money nor possessions, neither flesh nor blood 
avail, but my soul is at stake, eternal life or eternal death is the 
issue ; I, therefore, pray : Forsake me not, dear Lord, but open 
the eyes of thy mercy and behold my great burden, stand by 
me and deliver me from all my distress. 

Look upon mine affliction and my pain ; and forgive all 
my sins. 

Lord, thou that bearest rule, if the righteous call upon thee, 
thou receivest them ; (Ps. 34;) thou art nigh to those who are of 
a broken heart ; thou dost comfort those who are of a contrite 
spirit ; the offering acceptable to thee is a contrite spirit ; a 

29* 



342 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

broken heart thou dost not despise. (Ps. 51.) Thou didst send 
forth thy beloved Son, anointed with the Holy Ghost, to preach 
the gospel to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to preach 
deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind ; 
to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the accept- 
able year of the Lord, (Luke 4,) to comfort all that mourn ; to 
appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty 
for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning; the garment of praise 
for the spirit of heaviness. He preached ransom to all who are 
heavy laden, and with faithful hearts come to him ; he invites 
all to the waters of life, (John 7 ; 2 Pet. 2,) he bore all our sins 
upon the cross, in his own body, and our debt he blotted out by 
his blood, even as Moses did afore through types and shadows, 
when he sprinkled unclean Israel with the blood of oxen and 
rams, and with the ashes of the heifer; under the law nearly all 
things were purified by the shedding of blood. (Exod. 14; Num. 
19 ; Heb. 9.) Had the figurative blood such virtue, that it could 
purify the flesh to sanctification, how much more shall the blood 
of the beloved Son, who offered himself unspotted through the 
eternal spirit, purify our consciences from dead works, (Eph. 2.) 
ever living God, through the merits of thy Son, and through 
the riches of thy grace, we receive the remission of our sins ; 
yea, through his blood thou didst reconcile all upon earth and 
in heaven above. (Col. 2.) I, therefore, dear Lord, confess 
that I have or know of no remedy for my sins, neither works 
nor merits, neither baptism nor the Lord's supper, (although all 
sincere christians use both as signs of thy word, and hold them 
in respect;) but alone the precious blood of thy beloved Son, 
who is bestowed upon me, and who has redeemed me, a poor 
sinner, through mere grace and love, from my former walk ; 
therefore, God of truth, with whom there is no lie, remember 
the words of the prophet, which he spoke in thy name ; namely : 
But if the wicked will turn from his sins, that he hath committed, 
and keepeth all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and 
right, he shall surely live, he shall not die ; all his transgressions 
that he Jiath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him. 
(Ezek. 18.) my God, look not upon me, but upon the eternal 
Melchisideck, Christ Jesus, whom thou hast appointed high 
priest over thy house, upon the blessed king of thy righteous- 
ness, who has no beginning nor end of days, and is a high priest 
for ever, who did not honor himself, but is ordained of thee, as 
Aaron, who in the days of his flesh, offered up prayer and sup- 
plications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able 
to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared ; for his 
sake hear me, for his sake accept me, for his sake be merciful 
to me, console thy afflicted servant. I have no comfort neither 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 343 

in heaven above nor upon earth, but in thee alone, have mercy 
upon me in my great distress ; my unclean, sinful flesh afflicts 
me ; my wicked nature wages war against me, and besides for 
thy word's sake, I have become an abomination, an outcast 
and a fable to all men. (1 Cor. 4.) All who hear of me shake 
their heads at me ; without and within I have no peace. I say 
again, my sins combat me, my soul is in tribulation and pain ; 
therefore, dear Lord, I pray thee not for gold and silver, for it 
can profit me nothing in the day of vengeance, (Ezek. 7,) neither 
for long life, for it is always perverse, but this I desire alone of 
thee, from my whole heart, that thou .wouldst look upon me, a 
miserable sinner, with the eyes of thy mercy, in my affliction 
and pain, comfort me with thy holy spirit, and forgive all my 
sins. 

Consider mine enemies, for they are many and they hate me 
with cruel hatred. 

O Lord of hosts, when I was of the world, I spake and did as 
the world, and the world hated me not, but as soon as I had 
eaten the book that was shown me, although it was in my mouth 
sweet as honey, yet it made my belly bitter, for there were 
written therein lamentations, and mourning, and wo, (Ezek. 2 ; 
2 Chap. 3 ; Rev. 10, 10.) While I served the world I received 
my reward ; all men spake well of me, even as the fathers did 
to the false prophets. (Matt. 5; Luke 6.) But now, that I 
love the world with a godly love, have sought from my heart 
their welfare and happiness, rebuked, admonished, and instructed 
them with the word of God, pointing out to them Jesus Christ 
and him crucified, they have become unto me as a grievous cross, 
and as the gall of bitterness : so fiendlike is their hatred, that 
not only I myself, but all those who loved me, showing me favor 
and mercy, must, in some place or other look for imprisonment 
and death. blessed Lord ! I am more despicable in their 
eyes than a notorious thief and murder ; I am like a lost sheep 
in the wilderness of the world, chased, tormented, and pursued 
unto death by ravenous wolves. Am I not like a person with- 
out hope, forsaken and comfortless like a ship in the depth of 
the ocean, destitute of mast, sail, and helm, tossed about by 
every wave and every tempest. My flesh had almost said, I am 
betrayed because I find the unrighteous, froward nation enjoy- 
ing riches, honor and prosperity, and reposing in quietness and 
peace, (Ps. 73,) while the godly must endure so much hunger, 
thirst, affliction, and violence ; their habitation .is insecure, they 
must toil and labor for their bread ; they are defamed, reviled, 
persecuted and hated of all men, as the filth of the world, and 
as an abomination. (1 Cor. 4.) blessed Lord ! mine enemies 



344 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

are many and great, their heart roars like the furious lion, their 
words are as deadly arrows, their tongues are always against 
me ; at one time I am reviled by them as a false seducer, at 
another reproached as an accursed heretic, though by thy grace 
I possess nought but unyielding truth. (Gal. 4.) Thus am I 
their mortal enemy, because I instruct them in the way of 
righteousness. Lord ! I am not ashamed of my doctrine be- 
fore thee and thy angels, much less before this rebellious world ; 
for I know assuredly that I teach thy word ; I have taught, 
throughout, a true repentance, a dying unto our sinful flesh, and 
the new life that cometh from God. I have taught a true sin- 
cere faith in thee and in thy beloved Son, that it might be made 
powerful through love. (1 Cor. 2.) I have taught Jesus Christ 
and him crucified, very God and very man, who, in an incom- 
prehensible, inexpressible, and indescribable manner, was born of 
thee from all eternity, thy eternal Truth and Wisdom, the bright- 
ness of thy glory, and the express image of thy person, and that 
in fulness of time, through the power of thy Holy Sprit ; he 
became in the womb of the virgin Mary, real flesh and blood, a 
visible, tangible, and mortal man, (John 1 ; Col. 2 ; Heb. 1 ; 
Matt. 1 ; Luke 1 ; John 1,) like unto Adam and his posterity 
in all things, sin excepted ; born of the seed or lineage of Abra- 
ham and David, dead and buried, arose again, ascended into 
heaven, and thus became before thee our only, and eternal ad- 
vocate, mediator, intercessor, and redeemer, (Rom. 1, 10; chap. 
8 ; 1 Tim. 2 ; 1 John 2.) If all the prophets, apostles, and 
evangelists have not taught with the greatest clearness from 
the beginning, I will gladly bear my shame and reproof. I have 
taught no other baptism, no other supper, no other ordinance 
than that sanctioned by the unerring word of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and the declared example and usages of his holy apos- 
tles, to say nothing of the superabundant evidence of the his- 
torians and learned of both the primitive and the present church. 
Since then, I substantiate my doctrine by the evidence of thy 
plain, ineffable word, and by the ordinance of thy Son, who can 
reprove me, and show with the argument of truth that I am an 
imposter ? Does not the whole scripture teach, that Christ is 
the truth, and shall abide forever ? (John 14.) Is not the apos- 
tolic church, the true church? We know that all human doc- 
trines are chaff and froth, (Isa. 1 ; Jer. 23,) and that antichrist 
has spoiled and corrupted the doctrine of Christ ; why then do 
they hate me because out of pure zeal I teach and propound 
the doctrine of Christ and his apostles unadulterated ? No one 
however, hates the opposers of antichrist but such as are his 
members. Had 1 not the word of Christ, how cheerfully would 
I be taught it, for I seek it with fear and trembling ; in this I 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 345 

can not be deceived. I have by grace, through the influence 
of thy Holy Spirit, believed and accepted thy holy truth as the 
sure word of thy pleasure ; it will, also, never deceive me. Let 
them write and vociferate, threaten, and dispute, boast, vapor 
and insult, extirpate, persecute and destroy, as they please, still 
thy word will triumph and the Lamb will gain the victory. 
(Rev. 17.) Yea, I rest assured, that with this my doctrine, I 
shall, at the coming of Christ, judge and condemn, not only 
men, but also angels. (2 Cor. 6.) And though I and my beloved 
brethren were totally extirpated, and taken from the earth, yet 
thy word would remain eternal truth. (Isa. 40; 2 Peter 1.) 
We are no better than our co-workers who preceded us. Yet 
the time will arrive when they shall exalt thy power, and look, 
perhaps too late, upon him whom they have pierced. (Rev. 20 ; 
Acts 20.) Lord ! with what cruel hatred they hate me \ 
whom have I slandered in a single expression ? whose gold, 
silver, cattle, have I courted ? I have loved them with a pure 
love, even unto death ; thy word and will have I taught them, 
and with earnest diligence have I shown them, by thy grace, 
the way that leadeth to felicity, therefore my enemies are many, 
and hate me with cruel hatred. 

keep my soul, and deliver me ; let me not he ashamed, for 
I put my trust in thee. *» 

Lord, Lord ! the word of Paul fills me with terror, where 
he says : Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall ; for if a 
man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he de- 
ceiveth himself, (L Cor. 10; Gal 6,) for the flesh, destitute of 
thy Spirit, is perfectly blind in divine things, ignorant, entirely 
false and unjust, nay, sin and death, as I have remarked pub- 
licly in speaking of David and Peter, for though David was a 
great prophet, a man after thy own heart, faithful in all thy ways, 
yet when thy Spirit departed from him, where were his chastity, 
love, humility, and the fear of his God ? did he not become 
an open adulterer, murderer, and boaster of his own glory ? (2 
Sam. 11, 24,) until thy Spirit again enlightened him by the word 
of the prophet, and he acknowledged the deadly sin he had com- 
mitted and how foolishly he had acted before thee, (2 Sam. 12,) 
in like manner as regards Peter. He acknowledged Christ thy 
beloved Son not by flesh and blood, but by the Spirit of thy grace, 
was called by Christ a stone and a rock, (Matt. 16,) was ready 
to go with Christ into into person and to death ; the trial came, 
thy Spirit forsook him for a season, he could not bear a trifling ex- 
pression of a maid, he denied Christ, and swore that he knew him 
not, (Matt. 26* ; Luke 22,) but as soon as Christ looked upon 
him, and thy spirit returned, he acknowledged his fall, wept bit- 



346 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

terly, and afterwards publicly preached the name of Christ 
among all nations, (Acts 2,) paying no regard to his having 
been strictly forbidden to do so, by imprisonment, stripes and 
menacing words, he frankly answered : We ought to obey God 
rather than men. I beseech thee, therefore, blessed Lord, that 
thou wilt keep my soul, which is bought with so dear a price, 
lest I turn from thy truth ; for though I may now think with 
Peter, that I could give my life for thee, and with Paul, that 
neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution, nor famine, 
nor nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, nor life, nor death, nor any 
other creature, shall be able to separate me from thy love, yet 
1 do not sufficiently know myself. (Rom. 8.) All my trust is 
in thee; I have not yet resisted unto blood, (Heb. 12,) though 
I have drank a little of the cup of thy affliction, yet I have not 
tasted the dregs ; for when prisons and bonds are suffered, when 
life and death, fire and sword are threatened, then will the gold 
be separated from the wood, silver from the straw, and pearls 
from the stubble. Forsake me not, therefore, gracious Lord, 
for trees of deepest root are torn up from the earth by the vio- 
lence of the storm, and the lofty immoveable mountains are 
rent asunder by the force of the earthquake. Had not Job and 
Jeremiah, men of thy love, well nigh lost all patience in temp- 
tation, and murmured against thy ^11 ? Suffer me not, there- 
fore, gracious Lord, to be tempted above what I am able to 
bear, for thou art true and faithful, lest my soul be ashamed. 
(Job. 1 ; Jer. 20 ; 1 Cor. 10.) I pray not for my flesh, (Gen. 
3 ; Heb. 9,) being well aware that I must once suffer and die ; 
but this alone I desire, that thou strengthen me in my warfare, 
assist and preserve me, make me a way to escape in temptation, 
deliver me, and let me not be ashamed ; for I put my trust in 
thee. 

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me ; for I wait on 
thee. 

Lord of hosts ! God, when the householder had sown 
good seed in his field, his enemy came while he slept and sowed 
tares among the wheat, (Matt. 13) for when the sons of God 
presented themselves before the Lord, satan came also among 
them ; (Job 1 ;) wherever Christ is, there will the devil be found 
near at hand, as alas, I have fully observed in a few short years; 
thy saving word, thy gracious gospel, which is the proper food 
of my soul, imparting to it the power of eternal life, which has 
been trampled upon for so many years by antichrist as an idle 
tale, and a useless fabrication, is again received, believed, and 
acknowledged, in power, by some through .the influence of thy 
compassionate favor, the hellish lion or behemoth roars now in 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 347 

excessive rage, walks about seeking to devour them, has no 
rest, nor repose, knowing well that his kingdom and dominion 
must decline and be destroyed thereby, makes use of all his 
cunning and subtlety, transforms himself into an angel of light, 
(1 Pet. 5 ; 2 Cor. 11) those he lost through thy word he has 
allured again by false doctrine into his snare and net, and has 
changed the pure, salutary sense of the scriptures, by means of 
false prophets and unskilful teachers, into a meaning entirely 
sensual, and completely calculated to mislead, has authorized 
the sword and destructive weapons, and excited a vindictive 
spirit against the whole world, moreover he has instituted open 
adultery with the custom of the Jewish fathers, alsq established 
a literal king and kingdom, together with many other abuses, 
at which a sincere christian is astonished and confounded. But 
all which thou hast not planted shall come to nought. (Matt. 15.) 
Lord ! preserve me pure and upright in thy truth, that I may 
neither believe, nor teach anything that is not in conformity 
with thy holy will and word, with true faith, sincere love, real 
baptism and supper, a blameless life, a scriptural separation 
from such as cause offence in doctrine and in life. Preserve me, 
gracious Lord, from all error and heresy, preserve me as thou 
hast done heretofore in thy mercy ; grant that I and my beloved 
brethren may seek, love, and fear thee with all our hearts, render 
obedience to the magistrate in all things not contrary to the 
word of God; for this, says Paul, is good, and acceptable in 
thy sight ; preserve us from the wiles of the devil who would 
fain teach us another king, after the spirit, beside the true king 
of Zion, Jesus Christ, who rules over thy holy mountain with 
the iron sceptre of thy word, is King of kings and Lord of 
lords, is set at thy own right hand in the heavenly places, fat- 
above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and 
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in 
that which is to come ; under whose feet all things are put, who 
hath all power in heaven and on earth, before whom every 
knee must bow, and every tongue confess, that he is Lord, to 
the glory of thy great name. (Eph. 1; Matt. 28; Phil. 2.) 
gracious Lord, let integrity and uprightness preserve me 
under thy cross, that I may not deny thee, and thy holy word, 
in the time of temptation, nor conceal thy divine truth and will 
under the mask of hypocrisy, lies, and obscure equivocal ex- 
pressions, so that at the appearance of thy dear Son, my Lord 
Jesus Christ, I may receive with all saints, the promised king- 
dom, inheritance, and reward which, with firm assurance and 
perfect confidence, we daily hope, and expect, as the con- 
sequence of thy gracious promise. 



348 THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 

Redeem Israel, God, out of all his troubles. 

Lord of hosts, now, that I have confessed my sins before 
thee, prayed for my transgressions, praised thy mercy, and 
desired thy grace. (Matt. 10 ; Mark 6.) I must, with David, 
beseech thee, in behalf of my brethren ; for I observe Israel 
scattered abroad and going astray, like sheep without a shepherd , 
aud the pleasant vineyard of the Lord is laid waste, and trod- 
den down of all men, (Isa. 5 : Jer 12;) the chosen seed of 
Abraham, the house of Jacob, has again become a proper slave 
or bond servant in the grievous service of Pharaoh in Egypt, 
the royal line of Judah is carried away into Babylon, together 
with the holy vessels, which are so lamentably abused by Bel- 
shazzar, his lords and concubines: Jerusalem, the personifica- 
tion of peace, which was likened to a dove, is chauged into a 
barbarous gormandizer of innocent blood, and a rapacious 
lioness ; she that was princess among the nations, the city of 
the great king is become destitute of kings, citizens and walls, 
waste and solitary; the temple of the Lord, the house of prayer, 
in which the true worship ought to be performed, has become a 
notorious nest of robbers, a den of lions, bears, wolves, basilisks 
dragons and serpents, a house of all idolators ; nay, the un- 
chaste bed of the adulteress Jezebel. The bride of Christ, the 
glorious, who was clothed in variegated raiment, and decked 
with divine ornaments, in honor of the king, is changed com- 
pletely into a disgraceful harlot. (Mic. 2 ; Isa. 56 ; Jer. 7 ; 
Matt. 9; Rev. 6; Ps. 45 ; Ezek. 16.) The ark of the Lord, 
the glory of Israel, is seized by the Philistines, and taken into 
the temple of Dagon, (1 Kings 5;) Why make a long lamen- 
tation ? Judea is changed to Babylon, Canaan to Egypt, and 
Palestine to Sodom, and the king of glory, Christ Jesus, blessed 
forever, is daily esteemed as a simpleton, and despised as a fool; 
his holy apostles, the beloved witnesses of thy truth, must as 
liars give way with their doctrine unto all men, his knit or 
wrought garment, which the scriptures were unwilling should 
be rent or divided, is torn into four or five .pieces ; antichrist 
exercises authority and dominion in all countries by the preach- 
ing of lies ; and with violence, is thy word proscribed and 
rejected ; if I travel east, west, north or south. I find in all 
places, nothing but vain obstinacy, perversion, blindness, 
avarice, pride, wantonness, rioting, drunkenness, pomp and 
splendor, strife, envying and ungodliness. I find, (I repeat,) 
violence, false doctrine and an impure, deceptive employment 
of thy sacraments, throughout the world I find tyrants triumph- 
ing in might, power, influence and wantonness, in the courts of 
all princes, I find that the learned speak like the beast, covetous 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH PSALM. 349 

of honor, desirous of wealth, gluttonous, earthly and carnally 
minded, and teach according to the lusts and desires of men ; 
ihere is scarcely any that inquires for the truth, or if there is 
any one who asks for, or finds it, he must bear thy cross ; there- 
fore are my cheeks wet with tears day and night, my soul findeth 
no comfort, neither bread nor drink is sweet to my taste. Like 
the prophet Micah, I may well go stripped and naked, make a 
wailing like the dragons, and a mourning as the owls; for the 
wound of Israel is incurable. In sorrow, I may well lament 
with Esdras, and say : Our sanctuary is laid waste, our altar 
broken down, our temple destroyed ; our psaltery is laid on the 
ground, our song is put to silence, our rejoicing is at an end, the 
light of our candlestick is put out, the ark of the covenant is 
spoiled, our holy things are defiled, and the name that is called 
upon us is almost profaned : our children are put to shame, our 
priests are burnt, our people are gone into captivity, our virgins 
are defiled, and our wives ravished ; our righteous men carried 
away, our little ones destroyed, our young men are brought in 
bondage, and our strong men are become weak ; and which is 
the greatest of all, the seat of Sion hath now lost her honor; 
for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us. (2 Esd, 
10.) Kedeem Israel, God, out of his troubles! look with the 
eye of thy mercy, upon our great misery and distress, release 
us from the iron furnance of Egypt, bring us out of the land of 
the Chaldees, let the holy city be builded again upon her own 
heap, (Jer. 30,) having walls and gates, repair and rebuild thy 
fallen temple, the stones of which are trampled upon in every 
street. (Sam. 4.) (lather together thy wandering sheep, receive 
thy returning bride, who has behaved so perversely with strange 
Invers. God of Israel, effect in us a pure heart, that longeth 
for thy blessed word and will. Send forth faithful laborers into 
thy harvest, (Ps 3; John 4,) who cut and gather the grain in 
due season, perfect the builders who lay for us a good founda- 
tion, that in the last days thy house may be established, and 
appear above all the hills, that many people may go thither and 
say: Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, 
to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his 
ways, and we will walk in his paths, (Isa. 2 ; Mic. 4 ;) that we 
may walk before thee, in peace and liberty of conscience, all 
the days of our life, under a good government and blameless 
teachers, with a christian baptism, true supper, godly life, and 
a just separation, that thou mayest in power be eternally 
honored aud praised in us, as in thy beloved children, through 
thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom with thee, 
Father, and thy Uoly Spirit, be praise and everlasting dominion. 
Amen ! Amen ! Amen ! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus, 

30 



350 THE SPIRITUAL- RESURRECTION. 

A PLAIN INSTRUCTION 

FROM THE WORD OP GOD, CONCERNING THE 
SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, AND NEW OR 
HEAVENLY BIRTH. 

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrec- 
tion : on such the second death has no power. Rev. 20. 

For other foundation can no man lay than that which is 
laid, which is Christ Jesus. 1 Cor. 3. 

Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ 
shall give thee light. (Eph. 5, 14.) 

The scriptures point out to us two resurrections : namely, a 
bodily resurrection from the dead at the last day, and a spiritual 
resurrection from sin and death, to a new life and a change of 
heart. 

That a man should die spiritually unto sin, be spiritually 
buried and rise again to a life of righteousness in God, is plainly 
taught in various parts of the scriptures. 

Paul also exhorted to the same effect : (Eph. 4, 22 ; Rom. 
6 ;) Put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, 
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; and be re- 
newed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new 
man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. (Col. 3, 9.) Put off' the old man with his deeds, and 
put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge, after the 
image of him that created him. (Col. 32.) Mortify your earthly, 
&c, &c. Before a resurrection from the dead can take place, 
the death of the body is necessary, and before death, sickness, 
pain and tribulation must precede, which have a tendency to 
make death still more bitter to the flesh : Likewise in a spiritual 
sense, there can be no resurrection from sin and death, unless 
this body of sin be first destroyed and buried, and has sensibly 
endured pain and the burden of sin. — That is sorrowfulness of 
heart, remorse and a sincere repentance on account of sin, as is 
evidently shown in the scriptures. David says, (Ps. 38 : O 
Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath ; neither chasten me in thy 
hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand 
presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh, because 
of thine anger : neither is there any rest in my bones, because 
of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over my head ; as an 
heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and 
are corrupt, because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am 
bowed down greatly : I go mourning all the day long. For my 



THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 351 

loins are filled with a loathsome disease, and there is no sound- 
ness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken ; I have roared 
by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my de- 
sire is before thee ; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My 
heart panteth ; my strength faileth me ; as for the light of mine 
eyes it has departed. 

Endure sorrow and distress : according to James 4, 9. Be 
afflicted and mourn and weep : Let your laughter be turned to 
mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Paul says, (2 Cor. 7, 9 :) 
Ye were made sorry after a godly manner to repentance : For 
godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be re- 
pented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death: seeing 
that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought 
in you, what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, what 
fear, vehement desire, revenge, &c. 

Behold, thus we have to die with Christ unto sin, if we would 
be made alive with him ; (1 Tim. 2,) for none can rejoice with 
Christ, unless he first suffer with him ; for this is a sure word, 
says Paul : If we died with him, we shall also live with him, if 
we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him. 

This resurrection includes the new creature, the spiritual 
birth, sanctification, without which none shall see the Lord, 
(Heb. 12,) this Paul testifies in a few words, saying : In Christ 
Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth, but a 
new creature. Again: If any one is in Christ Jesus he is a new 
creature — old things have passed away, all things have become 
new, &c. (Gal. 6 ; 2 Cor. 5,) and this is the first resurrection ; 
for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, 
(Rom. 6,) that is through mortifying the sinful nature of earthly 
Adam, (Col. 3,) with all his members or wicked lusts, we then 
shall also be made partakers of his resurrection, (Rom. 6,) and 
know that our old man is crucified with him, that the sinful 
body is destroyed, (Col. 2,) and keep the true sabbath in Christ, 
by putting off the sinful body in the flesh, circumcised with the 
circumcision of Christ, which is done without hands, (Gal. 5,) 
buried through baptism, in which we have also risen with him 
through faith, which is the operation of God, (Col. 2,) we cease 
from all works of the flesh, (Rom. 6; 1 Pet. 4,) are led by the 
spirit, bring forth the fruits of the spirit, henceforth, not serve 
sin ; let it suffice that we spent our former days after the man- 
ner of the heathens, when we walked in vanity, wantonness, 
drunkenness, eating and drinking, and in abominable idolatry, 
and that we spend the remainder of our days not after the lusts 
of men, but live according to the will of God, that we may say 
with Paul : I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless, I live ! 
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now 



352 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, 

live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved 
me and gave himself for me, (Gal. 2,) therefore, died he for all, 
so that those who live, should not live unto themselves, but unto 
him who died for them, and rose again. (2 Cor. 5.) 

To have a more correct knowledge of this resurrection and 
regeneration, we must bear in mind that all creatures, (1 Gen. 
1,) bring forth after their kind, and every creature partakes of 
the properties, propensities and dispositions of that which brought 
it forth, as Christ says : That which is born of flesh, is flesh, 
and cannot see eternal life; and that which is born of spirit, is 
spirit, life and peace, which is eternal life, (John 3; Rom. 8,) 
that which is born of flesh, out of the earth through corruptible 
seed, is carnally-minded, that is, earthly, and speaks of earthly 
things, is desirous after costly and perishable things ; all the 
thoughts, the whole seeking, all the desires are directed towards 
earthly temporal, or visible things, such things as those of which 
it is born, or from which it proceeds. That which is born of flesh 
and blood, is flesh and blood, and is carnally-minded ; but the 
carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the 
law of God, neither indeed can be. (Rom. 8.) Therefore, those 
who are carnal cannot please God ; for such are altogether 
deaf, blind and ignorant in divine things. For a carnal man 
cannot apprehend or comprehend divine things, for by nature 
he has not that discernment ; but on the contrary his mind is 
depraved — God is not in his mind. A carnal man cannot under- 
stand spiritual things, for he is by nature a child of the devil, 
and is not spiritually-minded, (Rom. 8; 1 Cor. 2,) hence, he 
comprehends nothing spiritual ; for by nature he is a stranger 
to God ; has nothing of a divine nature dwelling in him, nor has 
communion with God, but is much rather at enmity with God ; 
he is unmerciful, unjust, unclean, not peaceable, impatient, with- 
out understanding and unhappy, &c. So are all men by nature 
according to their birth and origin after the flesh. This is* the 
first or old Adam, and is called in the scriptures ungodly, that 
is, without God, a stranger and destitute of the divine nature. 
(Rom. 5; Eph. 2 ; Col. 1.) 

This is the nature and property of the earthly and devilish 
seed ; for as the seed is, so is the fruit ; for what a man sows, 
he shall also reap. For he that sows to the flesh, shall of the 
flesh reap corruption, (Gal. 6, and bring forth fruit unto death : 
he sins like his father, of whom and through whose seed he is 
born, for he is the father of lies and sinned from the beginning, 
and did not abide in the truth, (Rom. 8 ; Wis. 2 ; John 8 ; Gen. 
8,) he, therefore, that sins is of the devil, for sin is not of God, 
but of the devil, and he that sins has not seen God, nor knew 
him ; and we know that the son of God was made manifest to 



THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 353 

take away sins and destroy the works of the devil, (1 John 3,) 
and through his death deprive Him of power who had the power 
of death, that is the devil, (Heb. 2,) and deliver them, who 
through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bond- 
age, (Rom. 5 ; John 8,) for by the sin of one man all were made 
sinners. He that sins is the servant of sin ; and does the will 
and works of him whose servant he is, and whose spirit leads 
him ; for every one is a servant to him whom he serves, whether 
of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness ; (Rom. 
6,) for he that does unjustly shall receive according to his 
works. To them Paul speaks, that they should awaken from 
the sleep of sin and death, so that the second death shall have 
no power over them; saying: Awake thou that sleep est, and 
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light, (Eph. 
5, 14.) 

On the other hand, all those who are born from above out of 
God, through the living word, (John 1 ; James 1 ; Pet. 1,) and 
are renewed, they are also minded, and have a disposition 
and propensity for good, as he has who has begotten them and 
of whom they are born. And what the nature and disposition 
of God and Christ are, we may readily perceive through the in- 
struction of the sacred scriptures ; for Christ has expressly set 
forth himself in his word ; namely, after his human nature, that 
we are to know, apprehend, and follow him, and shall be like 
him : not according to his divine nature ; for he is the true 
image of the invisible God, the brightness of his glory, and^ the 
express image of his person, who dwells in ineffable light whom 
none can approach or see, (Col. 1 ; Heb. 1 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; Exod. 33 ; 
John 1,) but after his walk and life here upon earth, as he testi- 
fied and showed among men in words, deed and example, for us 
to follow and conform thereto, in order that we may become 
partakers of his nature in the spirit. (Matt. 11 ; Ps. 54, 85.) 
Christ is every where in the scriptures represented to us as 
being humble, meek, merciful, just, holy, wise, spiritual, long 
suffering, patient, peaceable, salvation, love, obedience and 
good, as the perfection of all things ; for'in him there is sin- 
cerity. (Acts 3; Heb. 7 ; 1 Pet. 1 ; 1 Cor. 1 ; John 4; Matt. 
5 ; Col. 3; 2 Cor. 4.) Behold, this is the image of God, or 
Christ in the spirit, whose example we shall follow till we be- 
come like it in nature, and evidence it by our lives, all the 
regenerated children of God are thus minded, for they take 
after him of whom they are begotten ; and those are like the 
others, comprised in one word, namely, godly, or godly persons, 
as those who have communion with him- are one mind and dis- 
position, and who have the image of God in them, as the scrip- 
tures, both of the Old and New Testament, abundantlv show, 

30* < 



354 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 

especially in the epistle to the Collossians, in the 3d Chap. 
where he says : Put off the old man with his deeds, and put on 
the new man which is renewed in 'knowledge after the image of 
him who created him ; Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, 
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of 
mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and 
forgiving one another, if any manhave a quarrel against any, 
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye ; and above all things 
put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness ; and let the 
peace of God rule in your hearts to the which ye are called in 
one body : and be ye thankful, fyc. (Gal. 4; Phil. 2.) My little 
children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be ■ 
formed in you. Let this mind be in you ivhich wees also in 
Christ Jesus, for Christ is the image of God to lohomwemust 
conform. (Heb. 1.) For whom he did foreknow, he did also 
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. (Rom. 
8.) Those, therefore, who have conformed to the image of 
Christ Jesus, they are the truly regenerated children of God, 
and have put off the old man, and put on the new which is cre- 
ated after God, in true righteousness and holiness. 

These, when they have conformed to the image of God, and 
and have been born of God, and afterwards continue in God, will 
not commit sin, for the seed of God remains in them ; and they 
have overcome the world, (Gal. 6 ; 1 John 3,) they are crucified 
to the world, and the world unto them ; (Rom. 6,) have mortified 
their flesh, and buried their sinful body with Christ in baptism, 
with all their lusts and desires, and no longer serve sin unto 
unrighteousness, but much more righteousness unto salvation ; 
for they have put on Christ, and are purified through the Holy 
Ghost, in their consciences, from dead works to serve the living 
God ; bringing forth through the spirit the fruits of the spirit, 
whose end is eternal life. (Gal. 5; Heb. 9.) When these (as 
above said) have renounced the devil, flesh, and w r orld and the 
service of sin, no more to serve sin, they have voluntarily obli- 
gated themselves with David, as faithful servants of God, and 
henceforth live according to his blessed will all their days. (Ps. 
118.) And on the .other hand the devil with his adherents, is 
mightily enraged, is waging war against them ; because they 
are deadly enemies ; (Rev. 12 ;) and they are enemies to sin and 
the devil, and have enlisted under the banner of the red cross of 
their prince, and have taken the field against all their enemies 
— they are armed with the armor of God, and surrounded with 
angels of the Lord, (Acts 3; Heb. 12 ; Ps. 33,) always watch- 
ing with great solicitude, lest they be overcome by their enemies, 
who do not slumber, but are always going about like roaring 
lions seeking whom they may devour, and although they receive 



THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 355 

occasionally a wound, and are overtaken by their enemies, still 
their souls remain uninjured, and this wound is not unto death; 
for they have the unction of God, (1 John 5,) the true Samaritan 
and the true physician with them, who binds up and heals their 
wounds ; for he has compassion over our weakness and sickness. . 
Through his stripes and wounds we are made whole. (Luke 10 ; 
Isa. 16, 53 ; Rom. 6.) Nor are they so overcome that they will 
cast from them their weapons, and thus surrender, again to become 
servants of sin, (Eph. 6 ; Phil. 4,) which should again acquire 
the ascendency over them and rule them ; but they are encour- 
aged anew of the Lord, and in the strength of his power, they 
persevere valiantly in battle, till they, through him, by whom 
they can do all things, have conquered their enemy, and glori- 
ously say to their enemy : death, where is thy sting ? grave, 
where is thy victory? (1 Cor. 15,) thanking God with Paul: 
But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord, says Jeremiah, (Jer. 20,) is with 
me as a mighty, terrible one, therefore shall my persecutors 
stumble, and they shall not prevail, &c, and say with David : 
Blessed be the Lord, my strength, who teaches my hands to war 
and my fingers to fight; (Ps. 144,) and they are not moved till 
they have broken their enemies to pieces : Blessed be the Lord 
that he has not given us as a prey in their teeth ; our souls have 
escaped, like a bird from the fowler's snare ; the cord is rent, 
and we are ransomed from our enemies, and out of the hand of 
those who hate us, &c. (Luke 1.) The Lord is a rewarder of 
them that diligently seek, love and serve him ; (Heb. 11,) as it 
written : Behold the Lord cometh, and his reward is with him ; 
(Rev. 22.) yea, his reward and the gift of God are eternal life 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. For, if you serve the Lord 
Jesus Christ, you will receive the reward of your inheritance, 
the crown of life, which God has promised those who love him. 
(Rom. 6 ; Col. 3 ; James 1 ; 2 Tim. 4.) 

As stated above, that every creature has the nature and dis- 
position of him of whom it is born, therefore, we will speak a 
few words concerning the nature, properties and effects of the 
seed of the divine word, whereby we are begotten in the image 
of God ; for where this seed is sown upon good ground, into the 
heart of man, there it grows and produces its like in nature and 
property, it changes and renews the whole man, from the carnal m 
into the spiritual, the earthly into the heavenly, it transforms 
from death unto life, from unbelief to belief, and makes man 
happy, (John 3 ; Rom. 8 ; John 1 ; Gal. 3,) for through this seed 
all nations upon earth are blessed. (Gen. 22.) Therefore, says 
James : Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of 
naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word 



356 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 

which is able to save your souls. (1 Cor. 3.) It is also the pure, 
unadulterable milk, whereby the young and new born children 
of God are nurtured, till they attain to a perfect man, unto the 
measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Eph. 4,) it is 
also strong food for the perfect and aged in Christ Jesus. (Heb. 
5.) In short, this seed of the divine word is spiritual food 
whereby the whole inner man is ascertained, (1 Pet. 1,) so that 
he perish and faint not in this wilderness and desolate world, as 
all have to starve and faint who do not daily gather the bread 
of the divine word to satisfy their starving souls, (Deut. 8 ; Matt. 
4,) for man lives not by bread alone, but by every word which 
proceeds from the mouth of God. Therefore, is he blessed who 
hungers after this heavenly bread, and receives the ingrafted 
word ; for it will bring forth after its nature, in due time, one 
hundred fold. (Matt. 13.) For, says the Lord, as the rain cometh 
down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but 
watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it 
may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my 
word be that goeth forth out of my mouth ; it shall not return 
unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. (Isa. 
55.) 

Behold, this is the nature, property and effects of the seed of 
the word of God, by which men are renewed, regenerated, sanc- 
tified and saved through this incorruptible seed, (namely, the 
living word of God which abides to eternity,) (1 Pet. 1,) and are 
clothed with the same power from above, are filled with the 
Holy Ghost, (Luke 24,) and are thus united to God, that they 
become partakers of the divine nature, and be made conforma- 
ble to the image of his Son, who is the first of the regenerated, 
(2 Pet. 1 ; Kom. 8 ; 2 Cor. 3 ; Col. 1,) and those who rose with 
him from the sleep and death of sin, henceforth serve him not 
in the oldness of the letter, but in the newness of the spirit. 
(Kev. 1 ; Kom. 7.) 

He that is truly sincere, and has this principle and disposi- 
tion in his heart, has put on Christ Jesus, is become like unto 
Christ, and has the image of God in his heart, and is spiritually 
minded, is led by the Spirit in his spirit, from whose spiritual 
body, spiritual fruits are brought forth, as a well springing up 
unto eternal life. (John 4, 7.) For they are regenerated through 
the word which was sown in their hearts, begotten of God, and 
born anew to bring forth fruit of eternal life ; they, therefore, as 
children born of God, are the same as the father, of one mind 
and disposition, have the divine nature of their Father, who has 
begotten them ; whose thoughts are heavenly, whose words are 
truth, well seasoned, whose good works are holy, acceptable to 
God and man ; for they are holy vessels of honor, useful and 
ready to every good work. (Col. 3, 4 ; 2 Tim. 2.) 



THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 357 

Even as Paul (Rom. G) exhorts those who are born of the 
corruptible seed of flesh and blood, who are earthly, sensual, 
without understanding' and blind in divine things ; yea, children 
of wrath, that they should die unto sin, mortify and bury the 
lusts and desires of the flesh, and then rise by virtue of the 
heavenly seed from the sleep and death of sin and be regene- 
rated, and walk in newness of life, which is the first resurrection, 
saying: Awake thou that shepest, and arise from the dead, 
and Christ shall give thee light. (Eph. 5.) So does he also 
admonish all regenerated children of God, who have been 
changed in mind and disposition through the eternal saving 
seed of God, who have been regenerated and are risen, that 
they should be godly, spiritually and heavenly minded, and 
strive for and desire heavenly, incorruptible things; and that 
their heart (L Pet. 1) should be where their treasure is, (Luke 
12 ; Eph. 1, 2,) and their conversation in heaven, as fellow saints 
of the house of God, telling them : If then ye be risen with 
Christ, seek those thinqs which are above, where Christ sitteth 
on the right hand of God ; set your affections on things above, 
not on things on the earth ; for ye are dead, and your life is 
hid with Christ in God, when Christ, who is our life, shall 
appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Col. 3.) 
Here we have an account how the regenerated children of God 
have risen with Christ from the dead, and now live with him, 
converse upon heavenly things, and appear to the world as not 
living, for their life is hid in God, as St. John says : Now we 
are the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall 
be ; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like 
him ; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3.) 

With these and the like words the scriptures admonish the 
truly regenerated and those who have arisen, that they should 
take heed to their calling, and continue perfect in a new, godly 
walk, (Heb. 3,) for if they have been made partakers of Christ, 
they should persevere to the end, lest they again depart from 
the living God through the deceitfulness of sin and an evil heart 
of unbelief; and they should remain steadfast and perfect, as 
the children of God, and inherit the kingdom of their Father, 
and reign in eternity and rule over sin, death, devil and hell, 
and all the enemies of the kingdom, whom they overcome with 
Christ as valiant men ; therefore, will they also sit with Christ 
at the table of the Lord, (Luke 13,) eat the bread and drink the 
wine of the kingdom of heaven ; even as Christ overcame, and 
sitteth with his Father in his kingdom which is prepared for 
them ; as a fortified city ; (Rev. 3 ; 2 Esq. 7, 8 ;) free from all 
care of their enemies; in full rest, full of life and joy; for they 
eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of Paradise ; which 



358 THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 

pleasure garden is ever close to the unregenerated, who are 
still earthly and sensually minded, who still have by nature the 
vail and partition wall of sin before their hearts. 

These are they, who died with Christ unto sin, and have truly 
risen, (Eom. 6 ; John I,) these are the new born, to whom the 
power is given to become the sods of God, these were redeemed 
out of all nations, (Eev. 5, 7, 19,) these have on the wedding 
garments against the marriage of the Lamb, these have received 
the sign TAU in their foreheads by which the servants of God 
are designated, (Ez. 9 ; Eev. 7,) these are the spiritual bride of 
Christ, his holy community, his spiritual body, flesh of his flesh, 
and bone of his bone, (Eph. 5,) these have come to the heavenly 
Jerusalem, the city of the living God, which came down from 
heaven, (Eev. 21,) these have come to an innumerable company 
of angels, to the general assembly of the church of the first born 
which are written in heaven, (Heb. 12,) and to Jesus, the medi- 
ator of the new covenant ; they are fellow citizens in the house- 
hold of God who have put off the corruptible garment, (Eph. 2, 
4 ; Esd. 3,) and put on the incorruptible, have acknowledged 
the name of God, and kept his commandments, (Eev. 14,) and 
the faith of Jesus ; the true sheep of Christ, who hear his voice, 
and follow no other ; (John 10 ;) the first fruits of his creatures, 
have the spirit and mind of Christ, therefore, knowing what the 
will of the Lord is ; (James 1 ; Eom. 8 ;) yea, the chosen gene- 
ration, the spiritual and royal priesthood, a holy nation, a 
peculiar people ; (Eph. 5 ; 1 Pet. 2 ;) who in times past were 
not a people, but now the people of God, for God had com- 
passion on them ; these are the souls who were slain, under the 
altar, for the word of God. (Eev. 6.) 

In short, with them old things have passed away ; behold all 
things have become new ; but this is all of God, who has recon- 
ciled us unto himself through Jesus Christ; these are they who 
stand before the throne of God, with palms in their hands, and 
clothed in white, saying : Blessing, and glory, wisdom, thanks- 
giving, honor, power and might be unto our God forever and 
ever, Amen. (2 Esd. 2 ; Eev. 7.) 

This is a short instruction concerning the spiritual resurrection 
and the new birth, and the difference between the natural and 
spiritual ; between the earthly and the heavenly; and how every 
one is disposed, inclined, and of what mind he is, according to 
his birth or origin, and that he is of the same disposition, of the 
same mind, and of such a nature as that is of which he is born, 
that which generated him ; for the natural man is not spiritual, 
neither is that which is born of flesh and blood, the spiritual 
birth of God from heaven ; but like produces like. (John 4. J 
As the natural man is, so are they, who are naturally born. 



THE SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION. 359 

Such as God is, who is a Spirit and in heaven, such are also 
they who are spiritually born from heaven, who far exceed 
those naturally born of flesh. 

Here, as in a mirror, one may view and examine himself, 
and judge of what birth, mind, disposition, nature, life and 
conduct he is ; for here a man, by taking a little pains, can 
judge and prove himself. A man's walk, word and actions, 
and the thoughts of his heart, all show what he is; (1 Cor, 2,) 
for man knows himself best, and no one knows what is in man, 
but the spirit which is in man. 

Again : as many therefore, who after having proved them- 
selves, find that they are not renewed and regenerated after 
their first birth, according to the flesh, in their mind, under- 
standing, spirit and disposition, but are yet altogether sensual, 
earthly, worldly and devilishly minded; and from their depraved, 
inbred nature, are prone and willing to do all manner of evil, 
they will humble themselves before God, with Jeremiah, (Jer. 
3,) saying: Let us examine and prove our ways, and let us turn 
unto the Lord, let us lift our hands and hearts to God in heaven, 
and say, we have sinned before heaven and in thy sight, and have 
excited thy wrath : Let us weep and let our eyes run over with 
water; and say with David: Come let us worship and bow 
down ; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, and entreat him 
that he would make glad the work of his hands, and renew us 
whom he created — let us humbly entreat him for his spirit, 
which is the great cause of all this, and say : Lord send forth 
thy spirit, and they will be created, and thou wilt renew the face 
of the earth, (1 Cor. 12 ; Ps. 95, 103 ;) and thus they continue 
in prayer and in their desires to God, till they are clothed with 
the power of the spirit from on high, converted and renewed in 
the spirit of their mind ; and with astonishment say : This is 
the change wrought by the right hand of God the most High. 
(Ps. 76.) 

Also, those who on examining themselves, find that they are 
born from above by the grace of God, that they are new in 
Christ, and have become a temple of God, and that they take 
heed to themselves according to the counsel of the scriptures, 
in order that, since they are washed, purified, regenerated and 
sanctified, they do not again defile themselves, and pollute the 
temple of God ; if any man defile the temple of God, him shall 
God destroy, (1 Cor. 3 ;) they pray in the spirit with assured 
confidence, to God, their Father, with David : O God strengthen 
us and confirm in us that which thou didst cause in us ! (Ps. 
17.) He will then hear in his holy temple, according to his 
promise ; for he is faithful who has begun the good work in you, 
he will also perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1.) 



360 CONCLUSION. 

Peter says : Give all diligence add to your faith virtue ; aud to 
virtue knowledge ; and to knowledge temperance; and to tem- 
perance patience; and to patience godliness ; and to godliness 
brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness charity; for if 
these be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither 
be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 
Christ ; but he that lacketh these things, is blind and cannot see 
afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old 
sins ; wherefore, the rather, brethren give diligence, to make 
your calling and election sure ; for if ye do these things, he shall 
never fail; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you 
abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
baviour, Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 1,) 

May the God of all grace, who will gather all his chosen in 
the last resurrection, into his kingdom, grant us such hearts, 
minds and dispositions, that we through true faith, may die unto 
yourselves, deny and renounce ourselves, that we may have part 
in the first resurrection spoken of, which resurrection does not 
take place in the bodily resurrection from the dead, as will be 
the case in the other resurrection, at the last day, but this 
resurrection consists alone in dying unto, mortifying and bury- 
ing the sinful body through putting off, and dying unto the old 
life, and to rise and be received into a new, divine conduct and 
pious life. May Jesus Christ help us in all this, who is blessed 
forever, Amen. 



CONCLUSION. 



Here, kind reader, you have a brief instruction of the 
Spiritual Resurrection from death or the sleep of sin, some 
inducements to awaken and arise, and henceforth to live a godly, 
pious, unblamable life, according to the example of Jesus Christ, 
as the scriptures abundantly instruct us, and as is partially re- 
lated here; for the Father himself, in heaven directs us to 
Christ, and says : This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased, hear ye him. He says : Ye shall hear him. Moses also 
testifies of him, and says : The Lord, thy God, will raise unto 
thee a prophet from the midst of thy brethren, like unto me, 
unto him ye shall hearken, and every soul which will not hear 
that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 
(Acts 3.) 

Thus we counsel and admonish all in general, of whatever 
name, city and condition, that they would be pleased to take 
good heed to the word of the Lord, which we have here briefly. 



CONCLUSION. 361 

presented, according to my limited gift ; I hope by the grace of 
God, that you will find nothing in it but the infallible truth of 
Christ, (Matt. 15,) for we have not directed you to men, nor to 
the doctrine nor commands of men, (John 19,) but alone to 
Jesus Christ, and to his holy word which he taught and left 
upon earth, and sealed it with his blood and death, and after- 
wards had it promulgated throughout the world, by his faithful 
witnesses and holy apostles. (Mark 16.) 

Besides, we say, that all doctrines, which do not agree with 
the doctrine of* Jesus Christ and his apostles, if ever so fair in 
appearance, they are accursed. (Gal. 1.) For his word is the 
truth, and his command is eternal life, (John 12, 17 ;) therefore, 
we kindly entreat you, from our inmost souls, that you be 
pleased to accept and read with an understanding heart, this 
our Instruction concerning the Spiritual Resurrection and 
Neiv Creature, and compare and prove it with the doctrines of 
the apostles ; if it does not agree with theirs, let it be accursed, 
for no man can lay any other foundation than that which is laid, 
which is Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 3) To him be praises forever 
and ever, Amen. 



31 



FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE, 



OR AN ACCOUNT OP 



EXCOMMUNICATION, BAN, EXCLUSION, 



OR 



SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH OF CHRIST; 



ITS NATURE, POWERS, TO WHOM IT EXTENDS; 

ITS REASONS, OBJECTS AND DESIGN, &c —WHY IT WAS TAUGHT AND 

PRACTICED BY THE APOSTLES, 

AND COMMANDED THAT WE SHOULD PRACTICE IT. 

FAITHFULLY COMPILED FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURES, FOR THE USE 

OF ALL LOVERS OF THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL TRUTH, 

TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN PEACE WITHOUT 

RESPECT TO PARTY. 



Be of one mind — let nothing be done through strife or vain glory. — Phil. 2. 

Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Christ 
Jesus.—! Cor. 3. 



PREFACE. 



Brethren and sisters in Christ, it is known and evident to all the 
true children of God, who are enlightened by his spirit, that human 
reason is so depraved in Adam that it possesses but little light which 
can lead to godliness ; yea, it has become so unfit, haughty, dumb 
and blind that it would even attempt presumptuously to alter, bend, 
break, gainsay, judge and find fault with the word of the Lord God, 
it will not yield to any spirit or gift and persists that it is right, and 
that all it does or says is to be called God's word, whereby the saving 
truth, and blessed love and peace have often to endure and suffer 
much detriment and infamy. 

In the second place, it is evident that also the enchanting spirit of 
antichrist has made the whole world so drunk with the cup of his 
abominations, (Rev. 17,) has so rejected the doctrine of Christ and 
his holy apostles, his sacraments, spirit, life, ordinance, usages, 
example and the true worship, that but little of a salutary nature is 
left among men, and hence it is difficult to restore what has been 
destroyed to its true order and proper usage, to which the Lord had 
ordained it. 

In the third place, it is evident that the old master, satan, the arch 
enemy of God and souls, is always about us, as a roaring lion, and 
seeks whom he may devour, as Peter says : (1 Pet. 5) he assails us 
in diverse ways ; now with the unclean wicked nature of our de- 
praved flesh, and anon with some enchanting false doctrine and fair 
words, and again, by persecution, cross and fears, then with liberty 
and worldly life of the flesh ; now with riches and abundance, then 
again with defects, wants and poverty. In short, he shoots his fiery 
darts constantly, they fly by day and by night, in secret and in public. 
He that does not zealously abide in the fear of God cannot withstand 
the manifold assaults of his temptations. Yea, we may at times 
imagine all is gained, then we are assaulted most violently, he raised 
up some under semblance of truth, whom Paul calls : Men of cor- 
rupt minds, destitute of truth, who dispute and wrangle, they 
are envious persons, malicious slanderers, unclean perverted minds, 
they are guilty of a lamentable destruction of the holy peace of God, 
a grievous denial of christian love, a hindrance of the saving doc- 
trine, they sustain factious sects, and make paths to reprobation as 
we have abundantly seen in the days of the open truth. (1 Tim. 6.) 

Alas ! brethren, take warning ; again I say, beware and watch ; 
for James says that such wisdom is not from above, but it is earthly, 
sensual and devilish ; for the wisdom which is from above, is first 
pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3.) 
Yea, my brethren, where there is no peaceable, friendly, saving and 
impartial wisdom, there is nothing but forced appearance of good, 
powerless, impure and sinful prayer, an unsteady, wavering mind, a 
restless and troubled conscience, full of strife and dissension, no 
31* 



366 PREFACE. 

matter how much we may boast of the truth. The Lord grant that 
we may see this. 

In the fourth place, it is evident that the community or church 
cannot continue in the saving doctrine, unblamable and pious life 
without the proper use of the Excommunication or Ban; even as a 
city without a good police, or laws and regulations, or a field with- 
out any inclosure, and a house without walls and doors, so is also a 
community which has not the true apostolic Exclusion or Ban, for 
without it there would be an opening for all deceiving spirits, for all 
abominations, and for proud scorners, for all idolatrous and wan- 
tonly, perverted sinners : yea, for all lewd debauchees, sodomites, 
adulterers, as is the case with all the great sects of the world, which 
call themselves, though improperly, the church of Christ ; according 
to my opinion it is the distinguished usage, honor and prosperity of 
sincere community, if they with christian discretion teach the true 
apostolic Separation, and observe it carefully in love, according to 
the ordinance of the holy divine scriptures ; it is more than evident, 
if we had not with due zeal insisted upon it, that we would be esteemed 
and called, by every one, the members of the sect of Munzter and all 
other perverted sects. But (thank God) since, in consequence of the 
proper use of Excommunication, it is well known, among several 
thousand honorable, sincere persons, in different principalities, cities, 
and countries, that we are guiltless of, and free from all ungodly 
abominatious, and preverted sects, and that we also do make this 
known, unreservedly, to the whole world, not only by our doctrines, 
but with our possessions and blood. 

Having observed, and laid this to heart, that now the bright light 
of the holy gospel of Christ shines again in refulgent splendor in 
these vexatious times of all antichristian abominations ; God's own 
and first begotten Son, Christ Jesus, is gloriously revealed, his good 
will and pleasure and holy word concerning faith, regeneration, re- 
pentance, baptism, the Lord's supper, and the whole saving doctrine, 
life and ordinance, have again come to light through much seeking, 
prayer, reading, teaching and writing, that now all things (God be 
praised for his grace) proceed according to the true apostolic rule in 
the community, whereby the kingdom of Christ rises in honor, and 
the kingdom of antichrist is sinking. For this reason the arch enemy 
of our souls violently opposes, uses his old wiles and arts most 
subtlely against it. He appears under the cloak of a christian, 
(understand me rightly) boasts of faith proudly, upbraids ; yea, re 
jects all the Babylonian deeds, is baptized, seats himself with the 
saints at the Lord's supper, praises the lives of the pious, hears ex- 
hortations, gives alms, receives the poor, washes the saints' feet, 
says that Christ is the son of God. In short, in appearance he is an 
unblamable, regenerated, penitent and true christian. But in the 
mean time, he watches where he may assail us most easily and injure 
us the most, slily enters our depraved and enchanted understanding, 
some of whom, as is evident, as yet know little what the nature and 
mind of the Holy Ghost are, he presses them closely, for he knows 
how skillfully to defend his cause with the letter of the scriptures, he 
speaks gently ; whatever he does, he does as though out of pure fear 
of God, and love to the community, with the word and truth of the 
Lord. Through his influence some, as it were, out of great distress 



PREFACE, 367 

and anxiety of conscience, wrangle and dispute, principally concern- 
ing the separation which he can so little tolerate and endure ; here 
and there they raise pernicious questions and answers whereby those 
who are of a perverted and enchanted understanding, begin to be in- 
flamed at each other, so that some of them when they find that they 
cannot stand before the power of the truth, leave, out of mere party 
spirit, the pleasant Jerusalem and return again to unclean, blind 
Babel ; or build up a sect of their own, as I have with much sorrow 
seen it to be the case two or three times. Behold, this is the pearl 
which the old deceiver seeks with his ire and wrangling ; for whether 
we stay away from the idolatrous church or not, be baptized or not, 
it is immaterial to him ; if he can only inflame our hearts with hatred 
and envy one towards another, corrupt our minds, mar our love, 
destroy our peace, if he can but sow discord, defamation, hatred, 
lies, enmity and backbiting, which generally arise from such dis- 
putes ; if he can but do this, then he has accomplished what he 
sought. Ah ! dear brethren, beware, for it is more than clear, that 
all those who have not the meek, friendly, peaceable spirit of Christ, 
but are contention^, are not of God. Be this known to you. 

Seeing then we know, that he did from the beginning of the ex- 
pounded gospel, to the present moment, cause us much pain and 
sorrow of heart, with his cunning, unfruitful question of contention, 
and other pernicious disputations, I do most affectionately and cor- 
dially entreat all who would desire to walk peaceably and quietly in 
the fear of God with a good conscience, before the Lord and his 
community, that they would all before God, in Christ Jesus, lay this 
sincerely to heart, how faithfully the Holy Spirit of Christ warns us 
concerning our unprofitable, foolish questions, answers, disputa- 
tions, and quarrels, (1 Tim. 6 ; 2 Tim. 2 ; Tit. 3,) for the spirit of 
Christ is the spirit of love and peace, and therefore, teaches all his 
children love and peace, and writes it upon the tablets of our hearts 
with his gracious finger. Ah ! do reflect upon what we teach ; and 
that his holy kingdom and word are a word and kingdom of peace, 
and not of strife, his messengers and servants, are messengers and 
servants of peace, (Isa. 2, 52 ; Mich. 4 ; Nah. 1 ; Rom. 10,) in order 
that you, who call yourselves after his holy name, who alone has 
graciously called you into his kingdom of peace, (Isa. 9 ; Heb. 7,) 
through the word of his peace may escape the snares of the devil, 
and that you may so conduct yourselves in all your ways after Christ's 
will and pleasure, towards all men, and observe his holy word and 
ordinance, and defend it ; that you may promote that true righteous- 
ness required of God, such as faith, love, repentance, regeneration, 
piety and peace with all other fruits of the Holy Ghost ; gladden 
the hearts of all the sorrowful of heart and the young and tender in 
Christ Jesus, and console and encourage them in all their trials, 
need, temptations, tribulation and fear, so that the most holy city 
may again be rebuilt, which lay desolated for so many centuries, 
and restore all its usages, ordinances and services to primitive order. 
Yea, that the saving light of the true gospel of Christ may be spread 
among all nations, kindred and tongues, in its full splendor, and 
that the accursed, lying and anti-christian darkness may be dispelled. 

Then observe that the Lord's powerful word is more and more 
miraculously breaking forth and that, therefore, all true hearts 



368 PREFACE. 

would gladly see and have unanimity in this part of the BAN 
(whereby they are sometimes so greatly troubled and perplexed, as 
related,) that they might all orderly proceed observing one rule, ac- 
cording to the scriptures as it becomes christians ; and I an unworthy 
person, the weakest of all the saints, have been tried severely in this 
part by many different spirits for twenty-two years, and have endured 
many an attack, whereby others are not only taught of me, but I am 
also taught of others, (the giver of all good gifts be praised for all 
this.] And also after some considerable time through many adventi- 
' tious circumstances, examining into and reflecting upon some of the 
things connected with this, I was through experience, induced to 
yield to the solicitations and prayers of the brethren who were 
desirous of seeing good in all respects, that before the close of my 
life, I would examine and revise the Ground and meaning of the true 
apostolic Ban or Separation, arrange it formally and present it for 
examination to the elders and ministers of the community, to all 
desiring peace, so that if any one, after my departure, (as I am now 
an old feeble man) might cause any trouble, strife or dissention 
among the quiet and peaceable, under pretence that he heard this or 
that from me at any time, or might infer wrong views from some of 
my writings which have not as yet been so fully explained by me 
concerning man and wife, and of open, offensive sensual sinners, (as 
it is done here,) in order that the brethren may refer them to my 
conclusive ground, after I shall have fallen asleep in God, and made 
my exit hence. Besides, that the pious doubtful conscience may 
thereby be relieved, so that they may attain an assurance of con- 
fidence in their minds. Which I have undertaken with great diffi- 
dence (although it was quite christian like and good before) and did 
it especially, because I knew that they were not all brethren and 
sisters in truth and power who should read, hear or see this. And 
where the mind is not pure, and love is not genuine, there the under- 
standing is generally partial and the construction perverse, this I 
have learned to be the case myself of some towards me. Ah ! that 
some of them would obtain grace. Besides I know, that the opinions, 
judgments, affections and minds are different ; and that the all-pre- 
vailing truth and the fear, spirit and unction of the Lord, are not 
possessed by every one in their fulness ; therefore, I fear that all will 
not receive and follow this doctrine as the True Ground of Truth. 
O that we all had the eyes of the understanding, those of us who 
think we see, it would, according to my opinion, soon gain a strong 
hold with some. 

I have full confidence in those, who in the true fear of God seek 
union and peace with sincerity among all the pious, and are anxious 
for the truth ; they will receive my brotherly work, to promote holy 
peace, and to explain eternal truth, with christian fidelity ; they will 
not despise it, but gladly receive it, and thank the Lord for his grace ; 
for it appears to me, almost impossible to hit upon a surer and more 
certain way according to truth, in which we may stand, before God 
and man, and that which I have impartially, and according to my 
limited talents, pointed out and explained as before God in Christ 
Jesus, and which is according to the sacred scriptures. 

I do not serve the stiff-necked, haughty and perverse scorners, 
neither immovable bigots and wranglers, but those I serve, who are 



PREFACE. 369 

of an Impartial, new christian mind who suffer themselves to be in- 
structed, and are under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and live in 
the lear of God and in pure love, who have received the Lord's holy 
word and truth in a pure mind, follow it through the received unction 
implicitly, and are free from all bitter party spirit, vain horror, 
hatred and envy ; for with such we find the amiable spirit of peace, 
sincere and pious disposition, an unleavened, pure heart and conver- 
sation, and, therefore, also an upright and pure understanding, and 
an incorrupt, saving ground and exposition, and they live no more 
with their selfish flesh, but unto Christ and their neighbors, resist 
none, are humble, are opposed to all unscriptural contention and 
strife, readily acknowledge their short comings wherein they have 
erred ; reconcile their neighbors whom they had grieved, regarding 
neither honor nor dishonor ; heap fiery coals upon the heads of their 
adversaries ; walk unblamably, in order that they may awaken them 
again unto truth with love, lead them from the way of error, bring 
them unto Christ, and save them eternally. Behold these are thej r , 
I say, whom I serve with my writings ; for they have Christ in power 
with his spirit, word and love, and thus with him, and in him they 
have True Christianity, which will stand before God — which is 
a useful, cheering, peaceable and joyful thing. Ah, children, be 
admonished ; learn rightly to know the subtlety of the devil, and 
beware of discord. May the merciful Father grant us all the wisdom 
of Christ, Amen. 



EXPLANATION 

OF THE TRUE APOSTOLIC SEPARATION OR 
EXCOMMUNICATION. 

I. What is meant by Separation or Excommunication ? 

Cordially faithful children of the Lord, whom I love in 
truth. Since I have, but of paternal fidelity, undertaken this 
very critical task, for the benefit of you all, and the pious gen- 
erally, (I say a critical task, for I am well aware that it causes 
much grief among the simple for some time ; and I fear that all 
is not over yet,) I therefore entreat you all in general, both the 
afflicted and unafflicted, by the bloody wounds of Jesus, all of 
you, who with me bow your knees before the almighty, great 
God, I exhort you by the righteous judgment, which he will hold 
at his future coming in the clouds' of heaven, in flaming fire 
with his mighty angels, that you would be pleased to judge this 
my work impartially, and with a pure heart of peace — read arti- 
cle after article, nay, every word, with sincere Christian discre- 
tion, in true love, according to the rule and ground of truth ; 
and, in the first place, well observe what Excommunication of 
the church of Christ is in power, which was left and taught us 
by the Lord's holy apostles, "so that you despise none ignor- 
antly, nor say with scorners : Let them freely excommunicate, 
their excommunication is not dangerous :" and similar unguarded 
expressions. I tell the truth in Christ, and lie not, that I would 
sooner suffer myself to be cut into pieces, till the day of judg- 
ment, if it were possible, than to suffer myself to be excom- 
municated, according to the scriptures, by the servants of the 
Lord, and from his community. Brethren, beware ! 

All that was cursed in Israel according to the ordinances, of 
the law whether man or beast, had to die, and the accursed 
goods had to be burnt with fire. (Num. 21 ; Deut. 7, 13 ; Jos. 6, 
7, 8, 19 ; 1 Sam. 15.) This was a dreadful and severe curse 
(anathema.) But in Christ's kingdom and government, (if we 
rightly view it in its true character, if repentance follow not,) 
it is still more dreadful ; it is not now a bodily extermination 
or the death of our flesh, as Moses' curse, (anathema, or excom- 
munication,) was, nor is it an exclusion from a temple or syna- 
gogue, even as is the excommunication of the Jews or of the 
world ; but it is a true declaration of the eternal death of the soul, 
made through the sincere servants of Christ, against all offend- 
ing, sensual sinners, (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 13,) and stubborn 



372 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

wranglers, (Rom. 16 ; Tim. 3,) a delivering over to satan, (1 
Cor. 5 ; 1 Tim. 1,) yea, a common renouncing, excommunicating 
or separating from the community, church, body and kingdom 
of Christ, and that in the name of Christ, with the binding 
efficacy of his Holy Ghost and powerful word. (1 Cor. 5.) 

Since, then, this is such a dreadful and severe Anathema, as 
related, then may every one see well to it, that he walk and 
conduct himself so before God and his church, as not to be 
eternally smitten with such a curse, either of Christ or his com- 
munity, that he must be such an excommunicant out of the holy 
community, body, city, temple, church, kingdom and house of 
Christ. For all who are out of Christ's community and church, 
must be in anti-christ's ; this is incontrovertible. And what the 
award of such will be, if they will not repent, may be plainly 
read in Rom. 1, 6 : 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5; 1 Thes. 1 ; Rev. 
21, 22. Ah ! children, beware - be careful with all your powers ; 
watch assiduously ; pray fervently and be prepared ; for God's 
judgments are terrible — It is a fearful thing to fall into the 
hands of the living God. (Heb. 10.) 

II. Over whom this Apostolic Excommunication is to be 
used. 

We find in many places of the holy scriptures, that the truly 
believing community is the spiritual body, bride, camp, city and 
temple of Jesus Christ, our only spiritual head, bridegroom, 
king and high priest, prefigured by the literal Eve, Rebecca, 
and the camp, city and temple of Israel. (Eph. 1, 5; Rev. 19; 
Heb. 12 ; 1 Cor. 1, 6 ; 2 Cor. 6.) In the political dominion of 
Israel no leper, none that had an issue nor those who were de- 
filed by the dead, were suffered to come into camp as long as 
they were not healed and purified according to the law; (Num. 
5,) none were allowed to- ease themselves within the camp, 
(Deut. 23,) neither an uncircumcised, nor an unclean person, 
was allowed to eat of the passover, (Exod. 12 ; Num. 9,) all 
those (here observe well Israel's Ban) had to die without mercy, 
on the testimony of two or three witnesses, who despised the 
word of the Lord and set aside his commandments, (Num. 15,) 
those who were guilty of abomination in Israel, and served 
strange gods. (Deut. 13, 17 ; Heb. 10.) For, says Moses, they 
were to be a holy people to the Lord. (Exod. 19.) 

And thus it is in the Christian dispensation ; for his commun- 
nity is a communion of saints, or an assembly of the righteous, 
even as the Nicean fathers some centuries ago did confess with 
us ; and, as Adam had but one Eve, who was flesh of his flesh and 
bone of his bone. (Gen. 2.) Isaac had one Rebecca, who was 
of his own family, (Gen. 24,) and Christ had one body, which 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 373 

was heavenly and from heaven, and was perfect and holy in all 
its members : (1 Cor. 15,) thus has he also, spiritually, but one 
new Rebecca, who is his spiritual body, spouse, community, 
church and bride, namely, the believers, regenerated, meek, 
merciful, dead to sin, peaceable, amiable and obedient children 
in his kingdom or house of peace ; pure, chaste virgins in the 
spirit, holy souls, who are of his divine family, flesh of his flesh 
and bone of his bone. (Eph. 5.) 

From which, according to the doctrine of the holy apostles, 
it is evident that the obstinate disturber or sectary who causes, 
contrary to the doctrine of godliness, offence and discord, (Rom. 
16 ; 1 Tim. 6 ; 2 Tim. 2 ; Tit. 3,) and those who do not abide in the 
doctrine of Christ, (2 John 1,) who lead an offensive life, (1 Cor. 
5 ; 2 Cor. 13,) or the over-curious, inquisitive and lazy, who live 
at the expense of others, (2 Thess. 3,) shall not be suffered in 
Christ's holy house, camp, city, temple, church and body ; which 
is the community, but they, with one accord, are excluded, and, 
according to scriptures, we are to avoid and shun them, to save 
our own souls ; and to the reformation of their own. Faithful 
children, be you warned : terrible is the word which John utters : 
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of 
Christ, hath not God. (2 John 1.) And in another place : He 
that committeth sin, is of the devil. (1 John 3.) 

III. The reason why this Excommunication is commanded 
in the scriptures. 

John teaches and says : That God is love. (1 John 4.) Since, 
then, as God is love, so does he also manifest the nature, of that 
of what he is, namely, love. That this is the truth, may be 
readily perceived from the creation and preservation of all his 
creatures, the restoration of Adam and Eve, the preservation of 
Noah and his sons from the flood with an ark ; in blessing 
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ; in ransoming Israel from Egypt ; 
in sending Moses and the prophets ; (Gen. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, 26, 
28 ; Exod. 3, 14; Zech. 7 ; 2 Esd. 1,) and more especially in the 
holy incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God ; in 
his gracious, efficacious doctrine, miracles, prayers, weeping, 
cross, blood and death ; also, in the effusion of his Holy Ghost, 
and sending forth of his holy apostles. (John 3 ; Rom. 8.) 

Since, then, it is evident that God is love, and will be, eter- 
nally, and in the beginning manifested the glorious fruit of love 
towards his children, and thus does he likewise by this his 
exclusion or separation, although it is terrible and severe, and 
that it has such a terrible consequence with the stubborn and 
unconverted sinner, as heard. For, since he is the wise and 
omniscient God, who with his flaming eyes sees into the inmost 

32 



374 EXCOMMUNICATION, 

recesses of the hearts and reins of men, judges their ways, and 
knows us best, who are his feeble creatures and workmanship, 
what weak vessels we are ; yea, that some of us can scarce 
withstand a gentle breeze of deception ; but suffer ourselves to 
be led away immediately, or we are soon polluted with the per- 
nicious, abominable life ; for that reason he has, through his 
paternal love and great mercy, given us, his poor, weak children, 
this means of Separation, approved it by the Holy Ghost and 
word in the beginning, and commanded it to that end, that we 
should exclude the restless, stubborn wranglers and schismatists, 
together with the offensive, sensual and lewd, from his holy 
community, church and house of peace, and, according to the 
scriptures, avoid and shun them till they repent, in order that 
they shake us not in the confident hope we have in the truth of 
Christ, with their fair words ; for their false doctrine eats as a 
canker, Paul says ; (2 Tim. 2,) nor that the abominable with 
their impure, sensual life pervert us, nor make us as a bad name 
among those without, (1 Cor. 5,) and, behold, this is the first 
reason why the spirit of the Lord so earnestly commanded and 
taught Excommunication in his holy word. -Whether this 
reason is not a special work of the love of Christ, which is of 
great usefulness, service, power and fruit to all the pious, I will 
let all the faithful reflect upon in the fear of God. 

The other reason is, that all those who again forsake the holy 
word and true way and go astray in the world, despise the holy 
covenant, make void their received baptism and the promise of 
righteousness, again hear the false prophets, love the world, 
walk the broad way of the flesh, or cause contention, schisms 
and sects and perverse things among the pious, &c. They are 
deterred by means of this excommunication, and brought to re- 
pentance, seek union and peace, and thus be set free before the 
Lord and his community from the satanic snares of their strife, 
or from their ungodly life. (L Cor. 5.) Behold, this is the other 
reason why the spirit of the Lord so earnestly recommended 
and taught excommunication in his holy word. And whether 
this reason is not a special work of his love and of like power, 
usefulness, service and fruit to the impious, if they will by 
any means observe it in fear, as the first is to the pious : upon 
this all the faithful may reflect in the fear of God. Yea, who 
ever can rightly know and see the aforementioned reasons, ac- 
cording to the scriptures, has already found the true ground of 
the holy excommunication, according to my opinion. 

Since we know, then, that this our excommunication and 
separation are commanded us in the scriptures, for two such 
highly important reasons, as related, hence we have reason 
enough, if we rightly boast of the Christian name, regularly to 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 375 

teach the evident and direct command, doctrine and ordinance 
of the Lord and his holy apostles, (Matt. 18 ; 1 Cor. 5 ; Tit. 3,) 
as a highly useful aftd good work of great love ; and obediently 
to follow it ; and besides, it is also more than evident, that those 
sin heinously against the word of the holy apostles, and their 
great love, and the fidelity and love of the community, and es- 
pecially against their own soul, who call this useful, divine 
ordinance, in the perverseness of their sinful flesh, a conten- 
tious work of the devil, and thus trample it so shamefully under 
the unhallowed feet of their impious calamity, into the mire — 
haughty is that man who would rebuke his God, or gainsay and 
censure his word. Reflect upon that in which we have in- 
structed you. 

IY. The true Apostolic Excommunication has no respect to 
persons. 

Undoubtedly, it is well known to us all, dear brethren, that it 
is so strongly and earnestly commanded in the scriptures, nay, 
it is one of the chief commands, that we are to honor father and 
mother, and that all had to die according to the law of Moses, 
who cursed and disobeyed them. (Matt. 15 ; Mark 7 ; Eph. 6 ; 
Col. 3; Exod. 20; Deut. 5, 21; Lev. 20.) And also, that the 
bond of undefined matrimony is so unchangeably bound in the 
kingdom and government of Christ, that neither a man nor wo- 
man can forsake one the other, and take another, (understand 
rightly what Christ says,) except for fornication's sake. (Matt. 
19 ; Luke 16.) And Paul also holds the same doctrine, that 
they shall be bound to each other, and that they are to live in 
union ; that the man has not power over his own body, nor the 
woman over hers. (1 Cor. 7.) 

Both these rules, the first in relation to parents, and the 
second in relation to wedlock, stand fast and unbroken, and can 
never be altered or infringed by any man, so far as we can, in 
God and with God, in a good conscience, observe and keep them, 
as the aforementioned rules require, without transgressing the 
holy word ; but if this cannot be done thus, the spiritual must 
not, in that case, yield to the carnal, but the carnal must yield 
to the spiritual — this is incontrovertibly true. 

I, therefore, entreat all the pious, for the Lord's sake who, 
with us, are sanctified to Christ Jesus, through the Spirit of 
peace, that they may, with God-fearing, understanding hearts, 
view impartially, with spiritual eyes, the Six following Reasons, 
which urgently engage our minds, that we would gladly teach 
this Ground to all our fellow-believers, whose lot it might be, 
or whom it might concern (may the Lord ever preserve them 
Irom it) to teach it with christian deliberation, and to the saving 



376 ^COMMUNICATION. 

of their souls, without giving offence to the young and tender 
minds, and propound it in true love. All who fear God, I will 
let judge what we teach. # 

The First Reason is, that we do truly know through God's 
Spirit and word, that the heavenly espousal between Christ and 
our souls, is made through his innocent death and precious blood 
by faith, (Hos. 2 ; Eev. 19,) and must be voluntarily kept up 
unbroken, in obedience to the only and eternal bridegroom, and 
that, therefrom, a man shall not, neither for the sake of father, 
mother, son, daughter, husband nor wife, in life or death, be dis- 
obedient to his word, in the smallest matter, or yield any the 
least ; for God, the Lord will, shall and must alone be the God 
of our conscience, and be the only Lord of our souls ; and not 
our father, mother, husband or wife, as we may plainly see from 
Deut. 13, 33 ; Matt. 10 ; Luke 14. 

The Second Reason is, that the faithful apostles, John and 
Paul, teach us so ; that in the first place, we are to avoid the 
apostates, lest they c/mtaminate us with the impure, deceiving 
doctrine, and with ungodly, sensual lives ; nor that we partake 
with them of their unfruitful works, (1 Cor. 5 ; 2 John 1,) and 
for the reasons above assigned ; and since we plainly see, that 
none can sooner contaminate and pollute us, than our own 
fathers, mothers, husband, wife or children, if they are corrupted, 
and especially on account of the daily intercourse with and love 
for them, which is existing among them ; and moreover, since 
man and wife are one flesh, I scarce know, if they, in this respect, 
do not especially observe the Lord's holy word and counsel, how 
they will escape the snares of death ; for now they pray and 
sigh, and anon they rage and quarrel. Now they slander and 
defame, then they weep and lament. Ah ! children, take warn- 
ing. Their tears are crocodile's tears, and their tongues are set 
on fire from hell, as James says. I forbear to mention in detail, 
that some of them run after false prophets, revile Christ's holy 
word, sacraments and ordinances ; and highly recommend anti- 
christ's abominations, and besides, the conduct of some of them 
is nothing but sheer avarice, pride, wantonness, eating and 
drinking to excess, &c, and how scandalously some of them live 
with their poor women ; especially when they are intoxicated. 
I let the Lord judge. (James 3.) And that any one could live 
in the midst of such wanton, sensual, ungodly abominations, and 
not be hurt in his faith, love and unction, and have intercourse 
with such abominable unclean, adhesive pitch vessels, and not 
be polluted in his conscience. I will let all, with the unction 
of their spirit, reflect, who have an understanding of the holy 
word. 

The Tlurd Reason is, because Paul teaches us that we are 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 377 

also to avoid the apostate, that they should thereby be brought 
to reflect, and thus be led to repent of their wicked life, or of 
their schismatic doctrine. Seeing we know this, that it is the 
Ground and Intention of the Holy Ghost, with Excommunica- 
tion, as related : then it is also proper, and according to the 
scriptures, that we, in this matter, implicitly follow his divine 
counsel, love, doctrine, good will and earnest commands, and 
obediently follow him and observe it, in true love, towards our 
most beloved father, mother, husband) wife and children, rather 
than towards others, because, I say, they are our dearest friends ; 
yea, our own flesh and bone, and we cannot by any other salu- 
tary means, lead them off from evil, and again lead them on the 
way of the saints. Eeflect upon what we teach you. 

The Fourth Reason is, because we certainly know that there 
is but one Exclusion or Excommunication in the scriptures, 
which does not only extend to the spiritual communion, such as 
to the Lord's supper, hand and kiss of peace ; but it extends 
also to the bodily communion, such as eating, drinking, daily 
actions and conduct, (1 Cor. 5,) and that if the father is to avoid 
the son, or the son the father, the husband his wife, or the wife 
the husband, only in the spiritual communion, and not in civil 
community, in that event there would be two kinds of Excom- 
munications in the scriptures ; the one would only extend to the 
spiritual communion, and the other, both to the spiritual and 
civil communions ; this is clear as daylight. Again, reflect upon 
what we teach you. 

The Fifth Reason is, because pious parents, as well as the 
community, consent and approve of the excommunication of the 
apostate children ; and the pious children consent that the 
apostate parents should be excommunicated ; and the husband 
consents that the apostate wife should be excommunicated, and 
the pious wife that the apostate husband be excommunicated, 
and that they be severally dealt with according to the scrip- 
tures ; and if they would then afterwards avoid them only in the 
spiritual community, they would make void their own sentence, 
which they in common with the church pronounced, and thus 
they would not seek the salvation of their dearest friends with 
that spiritual love and zeal as the Lord's word and spirit com- 
mand them, and still be in great danger of perdition. In order, 
unmolestedly to escape it, their excommunication has been com- 
manded, taught and left on record in the word of the Lord, to 
every man, woman and child, without exception. Again, I say, 
reflect upon what we teach you. 

The Sixth Reason is, because I know no less than three 
hundred married persons in my time who did not observe the 
ordinance, counsel, doctrine, will and command of the Lord and 

32* 



378 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

his apostles concerning avoiding, and thus run together into 
perdition. Ah ! Lord, we stand in deliberation and dismay, that 
not a similar evil has befallen us on account of our silence ; we 
would, therefore, gladly, hereafter, observe it, since the care of 
the community is entrusted to us, that we might the better pre- 
vent, according to the apostolic doctrine N and counsel, all cor- 
ruption and apostacy, and freely, purely and fully teach and 
maintain the regulation of Excommunication, as well between 
parents and children, man and wife, as among others — to all our 
brethren, (if circumstances require it,) in order that we, in the 
first place, clear our own souls, and thus stand acquitted before 
God and his saints in the great day of Christ ; and secondly : 
So that none can excuse himself and say, " It was never told to 
me." 

Behold, brethren in the Lord, these are the important articles 
and principal Reasons which urge us most that we willingly 
teach this Ground, and put it into practice. Is there now a 
single individual under the canopy of heaven, learned or un- 
learned, young or old, without or among us, man or woman, 
who can teach us the truth, that the espousals of the spirit made 
with Christ through faith, should yield to human wedlock? 

Or that a man cannot deceive or corrupt his wife, or a woman 
her husband? Or that a pious man is not bound according to 
the scriptures, to promote the salvation of his unconverted wife, 
or the woman of her unconverted husband ? Or that there are 
two Excommunications in the scriptures ; that the one only ex- 
tends to the spiritual community, and the other both to the spi- 
ritual and temporary. Or that the pious husband dare not vote 
with the communion against his unconverted wife, or the wife 
against the husband in excluding her. Or that there is an ex- 
ception in the whole scriptures of man or wife, parents or child- 
ren, in this respect. Or that spiritual love has to yield to con- 
jugal love, &c. If so, then we desire with all the heart to 
abandon this our ground, and acknowledge our error, and with 
great zeal teach the contrary before the whole world, as is chris- 
tian and right ; for we regard neither slander, nor praise, honor, 
nor disgrace ; but we have only regard for the honor of God 
and Christ, and the eternal salvation of your souls ; on account 
of which, we are esteemed as detestable,- — such offscourings, 
filth and offence to many, as may be seen. 

But if this cannot be done, (as it never can be done) then in 
the first place, my cordial prayer, and fraternal admonition, are 
to all who might have erroneous views of this matter, that they 
would not improperly meddle through impure and perverted 
minds, by slandering the chief stone and the builders ; nor that 
they would persude any to disobey the word, or keep them in 



EXCOMMUNICATION . 379 

the dangers of apostacy and perdition, lest they make them- 
selves guilty of other men's sins ; but that they would give the 
Lord's good will and ordinance, due praise in this respect, pluck 
out the offending eye* of their misunderstanding, and pass a 
sound judgment according to truth, avert sin from the commu- 
nity, and thus observe the Lord's incontrovertibly clear word, 
counsel and command, with all the pious, and assist with all de- 
liberation to maintain it. 

Secondly : I entreat all who might have any concern for the 
irrational slanders, that they would view the matter impartially 
in a divine light, that not only Excommunication is hated, but 
also all the doings of Christ, such as the true evangelical bap- 
tism, Lord's supper, life and the whole divine service, &c. All 
this is hated by the whole world, and considered as abomination, 
scandal and disgrace, so that they, out of pure hatred to the 
truth, are not ashamed to call all the pious by such names as 
accursed heretics, anabaptists, ringleaders, whores and rogues ; 
and in many places deprive them of possessions and life, as 
may be seen ; although the pious are so much honored of God, 
that he acknowledges and adopts them as his chosen children, 
as his sons and daughters, as the apple of his eye, as his bride 
and spouse ; and endows them with the gift of eternal life. (Eph. 
1 ; Heb. 2 ; 2 Cor. 6 ; Zach. 2 ; Matt. 5 : Luke 6 ; 2 Tim. 2 ; 
Bev. 19.) For there is nothing that they love more than their 
God, as they fully testify and make known by their actions to 
the whole world. And thus it is in this matter. For how can 
there be a greater love for God, and how can there be found a 
more praise-worthy confession, than where one is willing and 
ready, not only to give up his temporal goods, ease, honor and 
happiness ; but also avoid their dearest friends upon earth, out 
of sincere regard to Christ, in obedience to his eternal and holy 
truth ? No abominable vice nor disgrace does become God's 
pure knowledge together with the unfeigned obedience of his 
most holy word. 

Thirdly: I entreat all dear brethren in general, that they 
would always think with wise and sober minds, to what end 
they bent their shoulders under the pleasing yoke of the living 
and almighty God, so that they may act and walk in a becom- 
ing manner, in the most holy covenant of grace, before Him 
and all mankind, and live and walk with their consorts in such 
piety, love, union and peace, with such fidelity and care, observe 
that hereafter in eternity we have not to hear of Excommuni- 
cation or Exclusion ; but of sincere christian piety, delight 
and divine joy. Reflect upon, these things which we teach 
you. 

Fourthly: I entreat all, if they should at any time feel them- 



380 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

selves aggrieved by this part of our doctrine, that they would 
thus wisely examine this matter in the pure fear of God, that 
they do not seek the solicitous selfish, lazy and idle flesh above 
Christ, nor cover it with fig-leaves, lest the warmth, of the Lord 
who hates all lies, hypocrisy and subtle roguery, punish them 
with blindness and perversion, and assign them their portion 
with hypocrites ; (Matt. 24,) but that they might, by virtue of 
true faith in Christ Jesus, valiantly overcome themselves, and 
obediently and fully observe what the Holy Spirit of the love 
of Christ has commanded and taught by his holy word in this 
part. Ah! let us reflect upon this. 

Finally: I entreat elders, teachers, ministers and deacons, in 
the love of Christ, that they would not teach this whole matter 
carelessly and irrationally; but teach and inculcate in full fear 
of Cod, and with christian deliberation and paternal solicitude, 
in an apostolic manner, not too hastily, nor too slowly ; not too 
rigidly nor too leniently ; lest they seethe a kid in its mother's 
milk ; (Exod. 23, 34 : Deut. 14,) but that they take of the first 
green ears of their land, dry them by the heavenly fire of pure 
and unfeigned love, and beat them into pieces in the mortar of 
the holy word, and pour upon it the oil of the Holy Ghost, 
which makes us willingly obedient unto Christ, pour upon it the 
sweet smelling frankincense of a sincere and firm faith from 
which all must result, to be a sweet savor to the Lord ; and 
thus bring Him an acceptable meat-offering in his holy temple. 
Lay to heart, in true love, the ground of my admonition. 

Y. That we are to put away from the community the openly 
offensive, sensual sinner, and excommunicated of God, and 
thus direct them to true repentance with the scriptures. 

Before I proceed to explain this article, I would earnestly 
admonish the reader, that about eighteen years ago, I published 
an admonition, in which I made no distinction of sin: but 
through my inexperience, directed them without discrimination, 
to three different admonitions. I say inexperience ; for to the 
best of my knowledge, I neither heard nor knew at that time, 
any thing of fornication, adultery, &c, among the brethren ; and 
it appeared to me impossible, that those who entered with us 
upon the paths of righteousness, should have any desire or 
will to such gross abominations, and therefore, did not earnestly 
reflect upon the matter. See before God it is the truth which 
I write. 

I likewise wrote a book in 1549, in reply to those who would 
only extend excommunication to the spiritual communion, and 
charged us on all sides with slanderous words, that we prac- 
ticed a rigid, cruel, unmerciful and Pharisaic Excommunica- 
tion. 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 38 1 

Finally, I wrote a few words against G. F. And to this day 
have made no particular distinction thereof in my writings, nor 
could I have made it, this I acknowedge openly, for my infor- 
mation of it was too limited, so long as the matter was not 
disputed and again come to me for re-consideration. But now 
having heard the ground of dispute, and having carefully weighed 
all the circumstances connected with it, in the balance of the 
holy, divine word, the following six reasons have given me such 
a powerful assurance in the matter, (the helper of all distressed 
souls be praised for his grace) that we are to exclude from the 
Lord's holy community, all offensively sensual sinners, such as 
fornicators, adulterers, drunkards, &c. ; these all ought to be 
put to open shame and reproof, with their ungodly works, and 
that without previously admonishing them, by virtue of the 
holy divine word, and thus direct them to repentance, (1 Cor. 5 ; 
2 Cor. 13,) I say by virtue of the word, for, in the first place, it 
is evident, as Paul teaches : That neither fornicators nor idola- 
tors, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves 
with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor 
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God, 
(Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6,) but that their portion will be eternal death 
in the lake of fire. (Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; 2 Thes. 1 ; Rev. 21, 22.) 

Seeing then, it is more than clear, that their condemning sen- 
tence is already passed, whereby they are already judged of God 
through his eternal Spirit and powerful word, both in heaven 
and upon the earth ; that they exclude themselves, and by 
their ungodly works forsake the community, that they are not 
as they were before, flesh of Christ's flesh, and members of his 
holy body ; because they are so sensual and devilish ; yea, make 
themselves dogs and swine, and servants of sin; (2 Pet. 2; 
John 8; Rom. 6,) and that we should hold them as our dear 
brethren and salute them with the peace of the Lord, who, are 
already, I say, the children of the devil, and that we are to ex- 
hort without any evidence of true repentance, would in fact be 
nothing less than that we would be for making void and of none 
effect, the righteous judgment of almighty God, uttered by his 
holy apostles against such offensive, abominable defilers? and 
esteem such a gross wretch as a child of God and joint heir of 
Christ. But how such a great despising of Christ and his 
righteous judgment, could stand according to the scriptures, I 
would, that we might all impartially and in the fear of God, re- 
flect upon it. 

In the second place, it is evident that all those who are en- 
vious of us, are assiduously bent upon finding but a mote in us, 
(because they so despitefully hate us for truth's sake) in order to 
magnify it into a beam and defame us grossly ; and we then yet 



382 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

should retain such offensive, infamous and abominable sinners, 
accursed of God, as our brethren upon a slight confession, yet 
without the least satisfactory evidence of repentance, which is, 
perhaps, more the result of shame, fear or feigned hypocrisy, 
than through the fear of God, and that we should break with 
them the peaceable and blessed bread of the Lord's holy supper, 
and thus by actions show that as if they were joint members of 
our community ; and were we to do so, we would then un- 
doubtedly, in that case, expose the fair bride of the honor of 
Christ to all the ungodly as infamous, and make her a scoff to 
all our enemies. May the gracious Lord preserve us from this, 
that we may never think of it, much less do so. Take notice 
of this. 

In the third place, it is evident, that with those three admo- 
nitions concerning such gross, offensive abominations, we would 
make many great hypocrites ; since I hear that there were some 
within a few years, who carried on their horrible roguery and 
infamy in secret, till time and circumstances could no longer 
conceal them ; yea, as I have understood, if some of them had 
not been detected by great wisdom, they would, I fear, have 
continued in their old course ; but as soon as it was disclosed 
they began to wail and weep. Who could ever have been so 
blinded, if a man has disgraced his neighbor's wife, daughter or 
maid, or robbed him of his moneys, &c, and being seized, 
spoken to and admonished, that he would not say : " I am sorry 
that I did so." Seeing then that experience teaches us the 
longer, the more, so it is also proper and consistent with the 
scriptures, that we should not at all countenance such a gross, 
shameless sinner, much less are we to cherish him in his ungodly 
actions and wicked career with false prophets, but direct them 
where the Holy Ghost directs them with the scriptures, namely, 
out of the community, (Deut. 23; Ezek. 13,) lest we derogate 
from the Lord's sentence pronounced in his word, against such 
people, that the community of grace, the unleavened lump of 
Christ, the anointed, King and Priest of God, may continue to 
be agreeable and dignified ; and also, that the transgressors 
may be brought sincerely to repent before God and his commu- 
nity, and may again present their offering and gift with a clean, 
pure, new conscience, as the truly sanctified saints of Christ, to 
the altar of reconciliation in his holy temple. Ah ! reflect upon 
what we teach. 

In the fourth place, it is evident that Paul teaches us how we 
are to avoid a heretic, after we have admonished him once and 
again, if he will not amend. (Tit. 3.) Since then we are not 
urged by the Holy Ghost to reprove a man more than once or 
twice, some of whom are outwardly yet quite pious, and per- 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 383 

haps some of them know no better, but suppose they are in the 
right, say beloved, how should we then admonish these thrice, 
who are not ashamed to sin, not only against God's powerful 
word, but also against the law of nature ; being bent upon dis- 
gracing a neighbor's wife, daughter or maiden ; to frequent pub- 
lic taverns and houses of infamy ; in selling and buying, prac- 
tice fraud, &c. In short, all these are sentenced to eternal 
death, by the spirit and word of the Lord, if they will not repent 
as heard. 

It would, according to my opinion, be very unbecoming, if 
we rightly reflect upon it, that we should run after those who 
are already condemned, to admonish them thrice before separa- 
tion should take place ; and though they regard not the first 
and second admonition, that we should still hold them as breth- 
ren in the community, till the third time ; if they would even 
then evince that they were sorry, they should remain brethren, 
if not, then it should be told them before the community, out 
of the word of God, that they had no more fellowship with 
Christ, but are accursed according to the scriptures. All who 
are taught of God, I will let judge how such doctrine and con- 
duct could stand the test of the Lord's justice and word. 

In the fifth place, it is evident, so far as I am able to judge, 
that holy Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians with 
such a view, as related ; for he says : that they shall neither 
eat nor keep company with any that is a fornicator, or covetous, . 
an idolator or drunkard, &c. he does not even mention one ad- 
monition, much less two or three ; but he says : A little leaven 
leaventh the whole lump ; which is undoubtedly true ; for facts 
have more than satisfactorily proven how often the pious, on 
their account, are considered rather as an offensive savor, who 
should otherwise be a sweet savor, were it not for those shame- 
ful members. 

In the sixth place, it is evident, that Paul did not only thus 
teach this ground; but also showed it by an open example to 
the unclean Corinthian who sat with his step-mother in a very 
unbecoming manner; for without any previous admonition he 
judged him according to his ungodly works, and put him, by the 
word and spirit of the Lord, out of the community, and delivered 
him unto satan, into whose hands he had already fallen through 
his unnatural, detestable incoritinency, in order that through 
this severe sentence and open shame, he, might mortify and 
bury his unclean, shameful flesh, with its sensual lusts, and that 
his soul might be saved in the day of the Lord, (1 Cor. 5,) and 
was not received again before the term of a year or longer, as 
history informs, till they saw that he sincerely repented, and 
might have been swallowed up with over much sorrow. (2 Cor. 2.) 



384 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

And it would, according to my opinion, be proper that we 
should not so soon again admit such sensual persons, who have 
beyond measure defamed the holy word, and brought such great 
tribulation upon the pious with their abominable disgrace, 
though they may seemingly lament and promise much ; but ex- 
amine more closely the fruits of their repentance for some time ; 
for it is not repentance though they say : " We have sinned !" 
but repentance is a converted, changed, pious and new heart, 
a broken and contrite spirit, from which flow the tears of sin- 
cerity, a candid confession, a true desire to depart from the evil 
in which a person was. A sincere and cordial hatred to sin, 
and an unblamable, pious Christian life — this is repentance 
which will stand before God. I entreat you learn rightly to 
know both repentance and sin. Take heed thereto. 

Behold, faithful brethren, here you have my most important 
writings, discourses and reasons which moved me more deeply 
to reflect upon this matter in the fear of God. Again I say, as 
I said above, in speaking of the separation of man and wife. Is 
there one under the canopy of heaven, whoever he be, that can 
instruct me, by divine truth, that a secret or open fornicator, 
adulterer, drunkard, &c, can be a member of the Lord's holy 
body, till he is admonished two or three times; observe this 
well. Or that the sentence of the Holy Ghost pronounced by 
Paul, (in all the scriptures) against such deadly abominations, 
depends upon the condition of two or three admonitions. In the 
second place, observe : Whether we have not cause to fear 
that the pious will be derided when we have no other evidence 
of reformation than a mere promise ; or that we may, by the 
power of the keys, retain those which God has already excluded 
by the word of his truth ; or that the community should judge 
uncertainties by Christ's holy spirit and word, (1 mean without 
evidently true repentance) and, in such a case by permission of 
the scriptures, esteem hypocrites as well as the truly penitent, 
and greet them as brethren. Or that the community may also 
proclaim the grace, mercy and peace of God and eternal life by 
virtue and truth of scripture to those though they are under 
His displeasure, curse, wrath and punishment of eternal death, 
on account of their bloody and wicked deeds. Or that the abom- 
inations or sins committed, do not bring the sinner to death as 
soon as exclusion from the community. Or that the spirit of 
grace with a sincere faith and true repentance, which avail 
with God, does not assure the transgressor of the promise of 
life, more than the outward conversation in the community, &c. 
If he can convince us of all this, we desire then cordially to fol- 
low him, and change and renounce our our views. 

But if this cannot be done, as it never can be, I therefore en- 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 385 

treat all who are concerned, thatthey would not liken them- 
selves unto vain comforts and false prophets, (Jer. 23,) who 
strengthen the hands of the wicked, and daub the wall with un- 
tempered mortar, (Ezek. 13,) and teach peace, peace, where 
there is no peace, (Jer. 8,) but that they would leave the sen- 
tence of the Lord which proceeded from his divine righteous- 
ness, unbroken ; and tear the deceptive bolsters artd pillows from 
under the heads of the ungodly, and keep clean and pure Christ's 
holy community as much as in them lies, that they may build 
upon a sure foundation, and direct the impenitent, sensual sin- 
ners to repentance, as heard. Deal faithfully, reflect upon these 
things and learn wisdom. 

YI. Of secret sinners, who are again inwardly admonished 
of the Holy Ghost and are sincerely and truly converted. 

The full desire of my heart is, that each one would so fear and 
know God as to say in spirit and truth with David : Whither 
shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy 
presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I 
make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there ; if I take the 
wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the 
sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall 
hold me ; if I say : Surely the darkness shall cover me ; even 
the night shall be light about me; yea, the darkness hidethnot 
from thee ; but the night shineth as the day ; the darkness and 
the light are both alike unto thee ; for thou hast possessed my 
reins ; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. (Ps. 139.) 
And with Isaiah : Wo unto them that seek deep to hide their 
counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and 
they say : Who seeth us? And who knoweth us? (Isa. 29.) 
Observe this denunciation, "Wo to them," &c. 

Chosen brethren, take heed ; none under the canopy of 
heaven, can so conceal himself that he cannot be seen by the 
flaming eyes of the Lord, or not be found by the avenging hand 
of His wrath in his wickedness, Yea, the least thought is not 
concealed in our hearts which is not open to the eyes of the 
Lord. (Heb. 4.) I, therefore, warn every one in general, that 
you with all your powers watch against sin, whether secret or 
open ; if sin is not sincerely repented of, your portion will be 
eternal death. Let all the impenitent and heedless sinners re- 
flect upon this, (Kom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6; Rev. 21.) 

This I write to all beloved brethren as a christian warning, 
that you may fear the Lord's sentence, both openly and pri- 
vately, and dread sin. Though we may not be reproved or seen 
of men here, still we cannot escape the eyes and punishment of 
God ! Ah ! that we all understood this. 

33 



386 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

However, should it ever happen that any one should sin 
against God in private, (from which may all his power preserve 
us,) and should the spirit of grace, which works repentance, 
again operate upon his heart, and cause genuine repentance, of 
which we have not to judge ; for it is a matter between him and 
God. And since it is evident that we do not seek our right- 
eousness and salvation, the remission of our sins, satisfaction, 
reconciliation and eternal life in or through Excommunication, 
but alone in Christ's righteousness, intercession, merits, death 
and blood. There are but two objects and ends why the Ban is 
commanded in the scriptures, which can have no reference to 
such an one. Because, in the first place, his sins are private ; 
hence no offence can follow. And secondly, because he is in 
deep contrition and is penitent in life. Therefore, he has no need 
then of being brought to repentance. Nor are we any where 
commanded of Christ to put him to open shame before the com- 
munity. Keflect upon these things. 

VII. What is the true sense of the passage in Matthew 
xviii. where Christ says : If thy brother shall trespass against 
thee, §-c. 

Our only and eternal high priest, Jesus Christ, undoubtedly 
knew our weak and feeble nature, (that if we are not watchful) 
we would often fall into errors towards our neighbor, and there- 
fore does he teach and say : If thy brother trespass against 
thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : If 
he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother ; but if he will 
not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the 
mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established ; 
and if he ivill neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but 
if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as an hea- 
then and a publican, -fyc. Whereupon Peter asked him : 
How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him — 
till seven times ? Christ answered : I say not unto thee, until 
seven times ; but, until seventy times seven. (Matt. 18 ; Luke 
17.) 

It is evident that these words of Christ teach, in the first 
place, that if any one should err or sin against his brother 
through negligence, infirmity, inconsiderateness, inexperience, 
or ignorance, that he should not, therefore, hate him in his 
heart ; nor conceal or connive at his transgression ; but out of 
true brotherly love admonish and reprove him, lest his brother 
fall into greater errors and perish ; but by this means reclaim 
him, and, as Moses says, not make himself guilty or his sins. 
(Lev. 19.) It is the nature and disposition of Christians not to 
hate any on account of his infirmities, but they seek with all 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 387 

their heart how they may lead such an one in the true way of 
love by instructing him ; for a true Christian knows nothing of 
hatred. (James 3, 4.) 

In the second place ; those words teach us that he who has 
transgressed should receive the admonition of his brother in 
love and be again cordially reconciled ; as he teaches at an 
other place, and says : Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the 
altar, and there remember est that thy brother hath aught 
against thee ; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy 
way ; first be reconciled to thy brother. (Matt. 5.) Here it 
is also the nature and disposition of the anointed, those who 
are born of the holy seed of divine love, that if 'they trespass 
against a brother, they have neither peace nor rest of conscience 
till they are again fully reconciled in Christ Jesus, and that 
without hypocrisy. For they are a seed and generation of 
peace, children of love, who manifest their Christianity in full 
power ; and testify it by deeds that they know God. But those 
who do not so, have Christ's word to judge them. Although 
the first transgression may at times not be of itself a sin unto 
death ; but will after some time make him sensual if he has no 
peculiar regard to love, that he will have to endure severe pun- 
ishment on account of his wickedness. For it is more than clear 
that he, who despises his brother, rejects the affectionate ad- 
monition, acts against Christian charity, despises the community 
of God, rejects the word of the Lord, and that he would rather 
continue unreproved in his transgression, through his immove- 
able stubbornness, rather walk in the crooked paths of the un- 
righteous: yea, sooner forsake Christ's kingdom and people, 
than subdue his stubborn, proud flesh, and again be reconciled 
in love, according to the word of the Lord, with his brother 
against whom he transgressed. Paul rightly observes : That 
to be carnally minded is death. (Eom. 8.) Observe this. 

In the third place ; if the transgressing brother will sincerely 
receive, in love the brotherly admonition of his offended brother, 
aud is humbly reconciled, and afterwards ceases transgressing, 
then in that case he will no more remember, but cordially for- 
give him, although he may have often sinned against him. Even 
as God for Jesus' sake, forgives all our sins ; so must we also 
forgive our neighbor all his transgressions in Christ, which he 
has committed against us. (Col. 3 ; Eph. 4.) And we dare 
not under any circumstances indulge in hatred or vengeance 
against him, though he should never reform. We have a true 
example in Christ, and Stephen his witness. (Luke 23; Acts 
7.) And it is also the nature and disposition of all anointed,, 
who are born of God that they possess their souls in peace and 
patience, they keep pure and uncorrupted their conscience ; 



388 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

their prayer unhindered ; their love perfect sound and true ; 
their minds firm and unwavering, no matter how we behave to- 
wards them. 

From all of which it is more than clear that these three sev- 
eral admonitions of which Christ speaks, are to take place first 
between him and you alone ; secondly before witnesses and then, 
thirdly, before the church, and do not extend to all offensive 
sensual sinners, over whom the eternal sentence of death is al- 
ready pronounced ; but it has reference only to the shortcomings 
between brother and brother, and that for the following seven 
Reasons. 

First, he says ; If thy brother trespass against thee, observe 
what he says : Against thee — not : Against God. For all 
the sins he commits against you, you may forgive him, so far as 
respects you ; but not as it respects God. (1 Sam. 2.) 

Secondly, he says : Tell him his fault between thee and 
him alone. Observe between thee and him alone. (1 Cor. 5 ; 2 
Cor. 13.) And I trust that all who understand the holy word 
will assent that an open transgression or sin, requires no private 
admonition, but is to be publicly reproved. 

Thirdly, he says : That in the mouth of two or three wit- 
nesses every word may be established. Observe, that he says : 
Tivo or three. And that an open transgression requires no 
witness, but is itself its own accuser and witness, is clear #s the 
meridian sun. 

Fourthly, he says : Then tell it unto the church, Observe, 
unto the church. And for us to tell an open, well known dis- 
grace to them, which is already known, is quite useless — to this 
all must assent who have understanding. 

Fifthly, he also says in Luke 17 : And if he trespass against 
thee seven times in a day. Observe, he says : Against thee. 
And that any one should sin seven times a day, much less 
seventy times seven a day, against his brother, (which no true 
Christian will do) much less against God. 

Sixthly, that he says : And seven times in a day, turn again 
to thee saying, I repent. Observe, he says : Turn to thee 
seven times in a day. And my opinion is that if any one were 
to come to us ; but two or three times in a year, much less 
daily, whenever he rumaged.our chest, stole our purse, or dis- 
graced our wife, daughter or maid ; and say . "Ah, brother I 
repent /" How soon would he not hear that he is a desperate 
rogue and an ungodly knave. Again, I say, observe this. 

Seventhly, that he says : Thou shalt forgive him. Observe, 
,he says : Thou shalt forgive him. And the scriptures plainly 
teach that none can forgive sins (these are the ten thousand 
talents which were owing to the king), but God alone. (Matt 9 ; 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 389 

Mark 2 ; Luke 5, 7.) And that we alone can pay the hundred 
pence which we owe our brother, as the Lord teaches in the par- 
able with all plainness. (Matt. 18.) 

Behold, in this sense the holy scriptures are salutary to us, 
and proceed in its order and thus direct to deal when one brother 
trespass against another to admonish him three times. (Matt. 
18.) And that we are to admonish a heretic once or twice, 
(Tit. 3.) And an open offensive sensual sinner, who is already 
condemned by the word, is not all to be admonished. (1 Cor. 5 ; 
2 Cor. 13.) 

, Do impartially reflect upon what the scriptures say, without 
hypocrisy and in love. 

VIII. That ice arenot to pervert the truth with David's sin, 
repentance and remission ; but have to understand it rightly 
according to scripture. 

It is evident that abominable, sensual sins, such as fornication 
and adultery and the like, generally arise from blindness of 
heart; that they are committed presumptuously, are the result 
of unclean, inflamed passions and sensual lusts ; notwithstanding 
the beginning of them may have taken their rise apparently from 
infirmity. Of this we have a true casein David, although he was 
a man after God's own heart, (1 Sam. 17,) and by virtue of his 
faith slew the giant Goliah, (whom all Israel dreaded,) and res- 
cued the lamb from the jaws of lions and bears, still he was so 
led captive in his flesh by the sight of his eyes that he sinned 
greatly ; for as soon as he consented sin was committed, and 
his heart (which was before a temple of the Holy Ghost,) was 
so blinded and bewitched, that he, without any dread, fell into 
one deadly sin and wickedness after another ; yea, as appears, 
he never thought of the Lord who saved him from so many 
dangers, and called him to such distinguished honor, and en- 
dowed him with such a precious spirit. For when it was told 
him of Bathsheba, that she was with child to him, he sought 
to hide this flagrant act ; had Urias called from the field and 
pretended as if be wished to consult him in relation to the war, 
admonished him twice ; that he should go into his house : why 
he did so is well understood. Afterwards he invited him to 
feast, pretending as if he was sincere, so that he might make 
him drunk, and go in unto his wife and cover David's shame. 
But when he failed in all this, he gave this truly valiant man an 
ungodly, treacherous letter, that Joab should place him in 
such a point where the danger of being killed was greatest, so 
that he might be slain. 

Behold, thus you see how one wicked act engendered another 
when he consented to the lusts of the eyes, and gave place to 

33* 



390 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

sin. He was blinded to such a degree in his inflamed flesh, and 
was so deeply involved in sin, that, according to the rigor of the 
law, (had he not himself wielded the sceptre,) he would have 
been two-fold guilty of the Ban or curse of death ; first, because 
he was an adulterer ; secondly, because he was guilty of innocent 
blood. 

He continued in such abominations till the prophet came to 
him, and through a parable, so wisely reproved him that he pro- 
nounced his own sentence as worthy of death. When he heard 
the word of the prophet who appealed powerfully to his heart, 
he was moved, sought for grace, and without delay turned to 
God with a broken heart, and bitterly wept over his great sin, 
and confessed to the Lord that he had sinned : prayed and 
sighed painfully. God ! said he, be merciful unto me accord- 
ing to thy loving kindness, according to the multitude of thy 
tender mercies, blot out my transgressions ; wash me thoroughly 
from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from sin. Create in me a 
clean heart, God, and renew a right spirit within me : cast 
me not away from thy presence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit 
from me, &c. (Ps. 51.) On account of which he was again com- 
forted of the prophet, who told him : The Lord hath put away * 
thy sin ; thou shalt not die. Nevertheless, he had to endure a 
severe punishment on account of it : For, said Nathan, there- 
fore, shall the sword never depart from thy house y because 
thou hast despised me— the Lord said, behold, I will raise up 
evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy 
wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and 
he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun ; because thou 
didst despise me. Observe, he says : Because thou didst despise 
me. (2 Sam. 12.) 

And behold, thus David's wantonness resulted in greatly des- 
pising God, and it was a grievous sin unto him. True are the 
words of James : Then ivhen lust hath conceived, it bringetK 
forth sin, and sin when it hath finished, bring eth forth death. 
(James 1.) 

Thus it is in the new state of things in Christ, for since we 
are not to punish the abominable, sensual transgressors with 
fire, stone or sword as Israel did of old, but only by excommu- 
nication, as is well known to all who are taught of God ; and 
thus it behooves us to consign those with their wicked deeds, 
where the scriptures direct them, namely, into death, and to the 
wrath of God, as holy Nathan did blood-guilty and adulterous 
David. And they will then, under such a dread, severe sentence, 
(which, according to the scripture is pronounced upon them by 
exclusion in true love) by the grace of God, go within their 
hearts, and are provoked, like penitent David, to true repent- 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 391 

ance ; yea, that we may evidently see by all their words, works, 
and whole life in truth, that the gracious Father has again re- 
ceived and endowed them with his spirit, and pardoned their 
sins ; then, and not till then, (understand well what I say,) have 
we the same word of promise whereby we can again comfort 
them and proclaim to them the grace of the Lord, namely : The 
Lord hath put away tliy sin, thou shalt not die, thy sins are 
pardoned, go and sin no more ; and the like consolation. 

And thus it becomes us rightly to divide the scriptures, that 
we do not make David's sin, repentance and remission as an 
example of encouragement to the blind world, that we do not 
esteem them our brethren who are accursed of God, without 
giving full evidence of their repentance and reformation, so that 
the community may be fully satisfied. For we must not build 
upon uncertainties, and comfort in vain, but like Nathan com- 
fort when we see true repentance, if we would not wish to flatter 
sinners with lies, and derogate from the judgment of God as 
heard. 

IX. Of Peter's inconsiderate backsliding, and immediate 
recovery. 

Dearly beloved brethren, beware, even as we have shown and 
explained to you, that the abominable, sensual sins generally 
arise from the inflamed passitms of the flesh ; and so it can 
happen that sins may be committed through infirmities. Of this 
we have a true example in Peter ; for when the Lord said to 
him : Simon, Simon, behold satan hath desired to have thee, that 
he may sift thee as wheat : but I have prayed for thee, that thy 
faith fail not ; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy 
brethren. To which he replied with much assurance : If all 
will leave thee, I will not, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, 
both into prison and to death. (Matt. 26 ; Mark 14; Luke 22.) 

Peter was for venturing all with his master, as he said ; but 
as soon as he stood alone, he could not endure a single question 
put to him by a maid ; he openly denied Christ, though the 
evening previous he said that he would die with him. Yea, he 
was so alarmed and frightened that he began to curse, and swore 
that he did not know Christ ; (Matt. 26 ; Mark 14; Luke 22; 
John 18.) 

God! there lay the upright, bold Peter, the firm rock, 
broken. Although he had been taught of the heavenly Father 
and honored by Christ, the beloved son of God, with the promise 
of the keys of the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. 16,) nevertheless, 
he could not endure but such a faint blow. Behold, thus man 
is nothing, poor, miserable, sick and impotent, (especially in so 
great need,) if he is not strengthened by the spirit of God. But 
what was it? Peter had to learn to know what that man is, who 



392 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

depends upon his own strength, and not in the full fear of God, 
upon Christ and his grace. Besides he learned how to be com- 
passionate and merciful towards his poor, fallen brother, who 
would again be heartily converted and rise without hypocrisy 
from his fall. 

It appears to me that this may justly be called an unexpec- 
tedly precipitate error in Peter. For he entertained not a 
single thought before, that he would deny his Lord and Savior. 
And he also rose in the very hour, went out and wept bitterly, 
(Luke 22,) and on the third day he was again comforted with 
the gospel by the holy angels of the Lord, (Mark 16.) 

Observe, brethren, how Paul teaches : Brethren, if a man be 
overtaken, (observe, he says overtaken) in a fault, ye which are 
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness ; con- 
sidering thyself, lest thou be also tempted. (Gal. 6.) 

Chosen brethren in the Lord, I would then most affectionately 
entreat you by the words of Paul and the fall of Peter, and ad- 
monish you faithfully in Christ Jesus, that you would by all 
means, discriminate, by the spirit of wisdom, between simple 
backsliding and continuing in that state. For if any one con- 
tinues in a sin (upon which eternal death depends) he is already 
condemned by the scriptures, (Rom. 1; Gal. 5; Eph. 5; 2 
Thess. 1; Rev. 21.) But if any one falls into it unwarily, of 
him the prophet says : Shall they fall and not arise? (Jer. 8.) 
And as Paul says: Restore such an one. It is, therefore, just 
and right that we are truly circumspect; that we do not depress 
too much a poor, broken-hearted sinner, who would willingly be 
restored and rescued from his deplorable condition ; but we 
must, in christian meekness, tender him the hand of charity, lift 
up and help him to bear his burden as much as in us is, and as 
far as our conscience and the word of God permit. Ah ! do take 
heed, be not too rash in such a case, lest you may also be temp- 
ted or overcome, as Paul says. Let holy Peter be an admoni- 
tion to you, in order that you will not lose yourselves in your 
proud minds. For if a man thinks himself to be something when 
he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Gal. 6.) In short : Let 
him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor. 
10.) For the snares are more numerous than we are aware ; 
those who would wish to escape them must be dead to sin, re- 
generated and true christians, be constant in prayer, be circum- 
spect, watch assiduously, and must be led and influenced by the 
Holy Ghost, else they will soon be in the snare of death. Ah ! 
let ns reflect upon this. 

Let every one examine himself fully, whether he has not 
sinned before God since his conversion, and became a faulty 
vessel He that may think he is free, let him qast the first 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 393 

stone. Bat he that does not find himself altogether free, let 
him with Peter, strengthen his weak brother, who, perhaps, 
-has not sinned half so heinously. 

Since then, it is manifest, that to fall, and to continue in that 
condition, and presumptuously to sin, are different ; therefore, 
will I leave such sins, on account of which the people of the 
Lord are grieved, (if such should be the case) to the spirit, 
unction, deliberation, fear of God and love of the community, 
to look into with wisdom and understanding. If they deem it 
deserving excommunication, let them judge as the scriptures 
teach. If they consider it not in that light, but only as a sin, 
unwarily committed, that they then restore the sinner or trans- 
gressor, with a spirit of meekness and love. This is my admonition 
with all the faithful apostles, fathers, teachers and our predeces- 
sor, the apostle Paul, to all the pious. These words are full of 
power and spirit : Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 
(Gal. 6.) 

X- How we should understand, according to the scriptures, 
the saying of James : If any of you do err from the truth, fyc. 
(James 5.) 

In the first place, the rational law of nature teaches us, that 
if one sees his neighbor's house or goods on fire, or sees his 
neighbor sick, or his body, his wife, his children or his cattle 
'needing assistance, he must willingly render him aid, and extend 
his hand to his neighbor, in time of need. 

Again, Moses says : When one sees his brother's ox or his 
sheep go astray, he shall not hide himself from them, but shall 
bring them again to him. (Exod. 23 ; Deut. 22.) 

Thirdly, Christ says : What man of you have a hundred 
sheep, if he loose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and 
nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost till he 
find it. (Matt. 18 ; Luke 15.) 

Observe then, how the law of nature, of Moses and of Christ, 
teaches us such great love and discretion not towards men 
alone, but towards our temporal goods, and to our creatures, so 
it is proper that we, who are born of the holy seed of love, 
should seek for the souls of our neighbor, whose feet we see 
upon the way of sin, which leads to death. Thus James says : 
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth and one convert 
him, let him know that he which converteth a sinner from the 
error of his way, shall save a soul from death and shall hide a 
multitude of sins. (James 5.) 

Here we would entreat all pious hearts, for Jesus' sake, that 
they would make a distinction between those who ignorantly 
err, and those who willingly go in the way of death, in order 



394 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

that the word of James be not expounded so as to become a 
false comfort and support, to wanton and benighted sinners ; for 
it is clear, that they are already judged to death by the scrip- 
tures, as we frequently have observed ; but when any of our 
Father's little ones, Christ's sheep (Matt. 18) err, and begin to 
turn their ears to false doctrine, which is adorned with fair 
words, who suffer themselves to be led from the truth, and 
begin to set their feet upon the broad way, and bow their hearts, 
again to covetousness, pride, haughtiness, &c. entertain inordi- 
nate affections for the property of their neighbors, become cold 
and weak in their faith, dislike the truth and err grievously; 
yet suppose that they go upon the right way — such erring 
ones, we should not suffer to be lost, but should seek them with 
all our power and might, not with one or two admonitions only, 
as is done with heretics, (Tit. 3) nor but three times, as is the 
case with a dissension between brother and brother, (Matt. 18) 
but as often as the Lord gives spirit and grace, till they again 
conform in all things to the truth, depart from their errors, and 
enter upon the right way, or till they become as ravening, biting 
dogs or unclean swine. Yes, my brethren, whoever follows a 
poor, erring sinner, with the truth, and turns him from the way 
of error, and brings him back to Christ's fold rescues his 
soul from death, and covers a multitude of sins. From whom 
are they covered ? From me nor from God ? Not from men, but 
from God ; for it is impossible to hide from men that which they 
see, and which happens before them ; as open adultery, murder, 
idolatry, drunkenness, &c. Aaron's idolatry with the golden 
calf, David's misconduct with Uriah and Bathsheba, and Peter's 
denial are examples. For though they repented, and their sins 
were covered from the sight of God, yet were they set forth to 
the whole world as admonitions and warnings, and as examples 
of his grace over all who truly repent; (Exod. 32; Deut. 9 ; 2 
Sam. 11, 12 ; Matt. 26 ; Mark 14; Luke 22 ; John 18) of this 
covering of sin David spake : Blessed is he whose transgression 
is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom 
the Lord imputeth not iniquity. (Ps. 32.) 

I will now leave to the godly for reflection, whether or not 
these words of James as here expounded, are not salutary ; for 
those worthy of exclusion would be excluded, the erring be 
sought, love would exert its full power, the penitent would 
be rescued from death. Both their open and secret sins would 
be covered before God, and all would proceed according 
to the scriptures. In true love observe what is the mind of the 
holy word. 

XI. How the latter part oftlie twelfth, and the beginning 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 395 

of the thirteenth chapter of the second epistle to the Corin- 
thians, are to be understood. 

"We find by Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, that there were 
many parties and sects among that people. Some boasted 
that they were of Cephas, others of Paul, and others again, 
of Apollo. On this account, Paul reproved them in love, and 
admonished them to be one in Christ. (1 Cor. 1, 3.) He writes 
also in the eleventh chapter of the same epistle: When ye 
come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions 
among you, and I partly believe it, for there must be also 
heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made 
manifest among you. There were also some among you who 
said there was no resurrection, (1 Cor. 15,) therefore, he also 
feared (2 Cor. 12) if he came, that he would not find them as he 
desired, lest more dissension than union, more malice than love, 
more wrath than meekness, more strife than peace, more whis- 
pering than rebuking of wickedness, more pride than humility, 
more tumult than quiet, should be found among many. Such 
is commonly the condition where the high and proud of heart, 
who neither kuow nor love the peaceful, humble spirit of Christ, 
move in high esteem, and attain authority over the plain, simple 
people. They regard the adornment of words more than spirit 
and power. This I write in upright, undissembled love, with- 
out regard to party. God grant us grace to enable us to per- 
ceive it. 

Again, we find that the impenitent, self-seekers, covetous and 
contentious, (1 Cor. 6) incontinent, unchaste, &c. (2 Cor. 12) 
were among them. Therefore he feared that when he came, 
he should have great sorrow on account of those who repented 
not of their iniquity. For it is manifest that lewdness at that 
time among the gentiles, was so common that the holy apostles 
admonished and counselled the brethren among the heathen, in 
a common counsel : as may be seen from Acts 15 ; Rom. 1 ; 1 
Cor. 5, 6, 7 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; Col. 3 ; 1 Thes. 4. 

Some so lightly regarded the lewdness and dissensions of the 
time, that they looked not upon apostolic doctrine of excom- 
munication as sincere. This may be seen from Paul's own 
words, to wit: Ye are puffed up, &c. (1 Cor. 5. 

Through their heedless disobedience, they permitted the good 
and evil to exist among them, so that the faithful man of God 
upbraided them sharply, saying : This is the third time I am 
coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall 
all things be established. I told you before, and foretell you 
as if I were present, the second time ; and being absent now, I 
write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all others, 
that if I come again, I will not spare. (2 Cor. 13.) These 



396 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

hard words of Paul testify clearly that in that time, although 
such wicked persons were held in communion, yet they did not 
regard his writings concerning the Ban ; for it is plain if the 
historian rightly testifies, that some years had passed away 
before Paul made his last journey to them, and it is against all 
scripture and reason to suppose that they, in the mean time, 
admitted these persons with Paul's consent. It is plain and 
manifest that he rebuked all iniquity both with word and wri- 
ting, (Cor. 5,) and directed to the Ban, as had been related, yet 
the foul leaven which was against the holy divine word, and 
which disgraced the church, they did not put away. He wrote 
and expressed his meaning by these words, that all those who 
oftentimes had sinned and had not repented, and those who 
sinned more recently, that if he would come the second time, 
that if he should find one or the other, testified to by two or 
three witnesses that they have been guilty of ungodliness, that 
he would not then spare him. (2 Cor. 13.) Observe this. 

It is also manifest that he did not write this rebuke privately 
to this one or that one, but he wrote openly to a whole church, 
in a common epistle, that the disobedient might be rebuked, as 
we ourselves (unworthy) at times write, and teach the word of 
the Lord. There is not a syllable which tells us to admonish 
such one twice or thrice, but to reprove them in round terms, 
that if he came, that he would make known to them their merited 
punishment. His words are firm and immovable : That we shall 
not eat, or have fellowship with fornicators, &c. ! reflect 
upon what the scriptures say. (1 Cor. 5.) 

XII. It is our duty to pass Christ 1 s sentence and judgment 
without blame according to the scriptures, and to make use of 
his keys in a proper manner. 

Chosen brethren in the Lord, forasmuch, then, as I have seen 
in my day much ignorance and misapprehension displayed by" 
many in regard to this point, some of whom, (in my humble 
opinion) were too rigorous and severe, while others were too 
lenient and remiss, in consequence of which some of our mem- 
bers have been affected, alas ! with no little sorrow. And as I 
have now faithfully explained the true apostolic Excommunica- 
tion in pure, unadulterated love without partiality, therefore, I 
am further impelled by the same love to offer a few remarks 
upon the keys and their appertinent use, (inasmuch as they per- 
tain to the excommunication) so that no one, misled by ignorance, 
may with anti-christ presumptuously place himself in Christ's 
seat, nor follow and execute his own judgment, design and reso- 
tion, but those of Christ, his Lord, and the doctrine, ordinance 
and commandment of the holy apostles, without any regard to 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 39 7 

the flesh, party, or self-wisdom, lest he should reject him whom 
God saves by his grace, and retain him whom he in his right- 
eousness rejects ; for, to him alone pertains the right of binding 
and loosing, as we shall hear more fully in the sequel. There- 
fore, consider our advice. 

It is to be observed, in the first place, that there are two 
heavenly keys, namely, the key of binding, and the key of loos- 
ing ; even as the Lord said to Peter : / will give thee the key 
of the kingdom of heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt bind on 
earth, shall be bound in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shalt 
loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. (Matt. 16.) At 
another time, and after his resurrection from the dead, be spoke 
in a similar manner to his disciples : Rejoice ye the Holy Ghost. 
Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them ; and 
whosoever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20.) 

In the second place, we must observe that the key of binding 
is nothing else than the word of God's righteousness, the direct- 
ing, demanding, constraining, terrifying and condemning law of 
the Lord, by and through which all are locked up under the 
curse, sin, death and the wrath of God, who do not by faith* re- 
ceive Christ, the only and eternal means of grace, hear his 
voice, and follow and obey his will. (Acts 4 ; Mark 16 ; 
John 3.) 

Again : On the other hand, the key of loosing is the abun- 
dantly cheering and delightful word of grace, the pardoning, 
consoling and unbinding gospel of peace, by and through which 
all those are delivered from the curse, sin, death and the wrath 
of God, who, with regenerated, new, converted, voluntary, re- 
joicing and believing hearts, receive Christ in power and with 
a firm confidence in his innocent blood and death, fear, love, 
hear, follow and obey him, (Deut. 18 ; Acts S, 7 ; Mark 16 ; 
John 3, 6, 7,) and many other chapters. 

In the third place, it is to be observed that this binding key 
of Christ is given to his ministers and people for this purpose, 
namely, that by and through it they shall, in the power of the 
Spirit, represent unto all earthly, carnal, obdurate and impeni- 
tent persons, their great sins, unrighteousness, blindness and 
wickedness, together with God's righteous wrath, judgment, 
punishment, hell and everlasting death, and thus render them 
contrite, dismayed, humble, broken, penitent, dejected and 
sorrowful of heart before God, and little in their own eyes. 
Wherefore, it is compared in its power and virtues to the rod of 
the oppressor, (Isa. 9,) a hard hammer, (Jer. 23,) the north wind, 
(Cant. 4,) a sorrowful singing, (Matt. 1,) and sharp detergent 
wine. (Luke 10.) 

Again : On the contrary, the key of loosing is given to the 
34 



398 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

end that with it the ministers and people of God may direct such 
contrite, troubled, dejected, sorrowful and broken hearts, as 
aforementioned, which are enabled, by the first key, to feel and 
see the deep, mortal wounds, their great defects and the pro- 
found fascination in which they were held, to the spiritual, 
brazen serpent, (Num. 21 ; John 3,) to the throne of grace, 
(Rom. 3,) to the open fountain of David, (Zach. 13,) to the 
merciful, compassionate high priest, our only and eternal* offer- 
ing of reconciliation, Christ Jesus, (Heb. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13,) 
and thus heal their dangerous, malignant and deadly abscesses, 
stripes and the venomous wound of the infernal serpent. It is, 
therefore, likened in strength and virtues to the cheering olive- 
branch of Noah's dove, (Gen. 8,) the balm of Gilead, (Jer. 8,) 
the voice of truth, (Cant. 3,) the south wind, (Cant. 4,) the 
joyful pipe, (Matt. 11,) and sweet, soothing oil. (Luke 10 ; 
James 5.) 

In the fourth place, it must be observed that these keys are 
given us from heaven, by him who created heaven, earth and 
the sea with the fulness thereof, the Almighty Father's eternal 
power, word and wisdom, (John 1 ; Col. 1 ; Heb. 1,) the King 
of all glory, our only and eternal Redeemer, Intercessor, Bride- 
groom, Prophet and Teacher, Christ Jesus. (Matt. 16 ; John 
20.) We may, therefore, with the greatest propriety, take heed 
in this part of the Ban, with fear and trembling, that we do not 
conduct ourselves in it as if under the influence of flesh and 
blood, hatred or love, favor or disfavor, enmity or friendship, 
strife, dissension or partiality ; but that with a good and upright 
conscience, without respect of persons, we execute it aright in 
the perfect fear of God as the proper, earnest, and heavenly 
command, word, and will of our Saviour. For without doubt 
they are precious keys since they are given us from heaven, as 
a present from so illustrious a friend. Ah ! suffer yourselves 
to be told. 

In the fifth place, it is to be observed that these keys are 
given to, and bestowed upon none but those who are anointed 
of the Holy Ghost, even as Christ says : Receive ye the Holy 
Ghost, &c. (John 20.) From this it is more than evident that 
they must be a believing, true, penitent, sober, chaste, humble, 
upright, friendly, obedient, devout, peaceful, and spiritual peo- 
ple ; (observe) a people dead unto sin, a regenerated people, 
who sit with the apostles in the seat of righteousness, (Matt. 
19) and pronounce with them the Lord's righteous judgment 
against all stiff-necked, ungodly sinners, and teach, admonish, 
chastise, punish, and, in real power, judge or bind with the 
Lord's word and spirit, the unbelieving, impenitent, earthly- 
minded, drunken, adulterous, lecherous, unchaste, proud, haughty 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 399 

unrighteous, perverse, disobedient, quarrelsome, sensual sinners. 
For it is more than evident that a carnal man cannot understand 
the things of the spirit of God ; but they that are spiritual ex- 
amine all things aright, judge all things aright, yet they them- 
selves are judged of no man. (1 Cor. 2.) Yes, my brethren, it 
is utterly impossible for one carnal-minded man, or for one quar- 
relsome person, to teach, instruct or chasten another rightly 
through the spirit of Christ, or in the power of his word rightly 
to separate him from his community according to the will of 
God. For their fruits plainly testify that they are both one as 
well as the other, impenitent, destitute of the spirit, nature, and 
disposition of Christ, and subject to death and the curse. 

Therefore, fear God, and know how or what you judge. If a 
man was to put the law in force against a person obnoxious to 
excommunication, as a whoremonger, drunkard, or one guilty 
of any other carnal abominations, while he himself was full of 
hatred, avaricious, proud, haughty, uplifted, ambitious, choleric, 
unchaste, lying quarrelsome, impure, envious or false hearted, 
secretly committing evil, he does nothing else according to 
Pauls doctrine, than pass judgment upon his own soul, for he 
says : Thou art inexcusable, man whosoever thou art that 
judgest : for tvherezn thou judg est another thou condemnest 
thyself. (Eom. 2.) 

I therefore, counsel and admonish all the pious generally, 
who sit in judgment upon a sinner that is to be excommunica- 
ted, that they previously examine well their own conscience, 
heart and mind, and see whether or not they have the spirit of 
Christ, whether or not they sit in the apostles' seat, and also 
whether they do it out of pure fear of God, in obedience to his 
word, and out of sincere love to the brethren or out of flesh and 
blood through the hypocrisy, to the will of men. For if they 
have not the spirit of Christ, do not sit in the apostles' seat and 
carry the keys of heaven, their judgment can not be of God, 
and will tear down more than build up. It is even in reality 
nothing but a sore judgment against their own souls. But if 
they have the spirit of Christ, sit in the apostles' seat and make 
use of the keys of heaven, their judgment will doubtless be 
righteous, will agree as the judgment of Christ, and they will by 
no means make themselves guilty in passing judgment against 
the transgressor. Those who are born of Christ, may judge 
what I advance. 

In the sixth place, it is to be observed that these keys must 
not be made use of except in the name of Him who committed 
them to us, and by his power, that is with his spirit and word, 
(1 Cor. 5,) for He alone is the king and prince of his community, 
the shepherd, teacher and master of our souls, before whose 



400 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

sceptre we must all bow, and hear his voice. (Deut. 18 ; Acts 
3, 7 ; John 3, 10,) if we would wish to be saved, as has been 
heard. 

Since then he is both the ruler and the giver of this, and 
both the binding and loosing are in his hand, and must therefore 
be done in his name with his spirit and word alone, as related, 
we may well take heed lest through our profaneness, inclination 
or foolish purpose, we loose those whom he himself has bound 
in heaven, or bind those whom he himself has loosed in heaven 
even as the sin of perdition and the man of sin together with all 
his deceiving and impure prophets have done for thousands of 
years, O God! 

As far as concerns the key of binding of this evangelic Ban, 
it is more than clear that when an open fornicator or adulterer 
is convinced by two or three witnesses, (2 Cor, 13,) or an abuser 
of himself with mankind, or an idolator, or a drunkard, or envied, 
or a perverse self-willed disputer, or an impenitent, froward, lazy, 
a fastidious idle, glutton, or a blasphemer, thief, robber or mur- 
derer, &c, is brought before the community, they have the 
judging word of the scriptures, by which they may separate and 
exclude him, and announce to him by the spirit of Christ, that he 
is no longer a member of Christ's body, has no more promise, but 
that he shall endure everlasting death, and fail of the kingdom 
of grace : In short that his final part and lot (unless he sincerly 
repents) shall be the burning lake of fire, hell and the devil. 
(Matt. 3, 25 ; Kom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 5 ; Eph. 5 ; 2 Thess. 1 ; 
Rev. 21, 22.) For his works show plainly that he is of the 
wicked one. (John 8 ; 1 John 3.) 

Behold, such are those over whom the first key has power. 
For God's righteous judgment and his firm binding, take hold 
of them, since, they again forsake Christ, despise his holy word 
and covenant, live according to the flesh, stir up strife and dis- 
sension, break the bond of love, separate the pious, disquiet 
those of a gentle, peaceable disposition, introduce and establish 
offences and slanderers, as the evident fact has frequently taught 
and as is known to many others, alas ! as well as to myself. Ah 
me ! what a severe stroke he receives who is bound by God's 
people with this dreadful key and punished by his righteous 
spirit with this dreadful curse. Father grant them thy grace. 

The same thing applies to the key of loosing in this use of 
the Ban. For if a poor, proscribed sinner humble himself 
again before his God, heart broken and penitent, groans and 
weeps bitterly, experiences heartfelt sorrow for his sins and an 
earnest longing for the truth, hates perverse paths of the un- 
godly and walks again in the path of the pious. In short, con- 
ducts himself so in his whole life, that we cannot perceive any 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 401 

thing in him but that the Lord's spirit has again anointed him, 
and received him into his grace, and would have him included 
in the number of the Lord's people ; they have then the cheer- 
ing word of promise, by which they may again bring him to the 
altar of the Lord, sprinkle him with the spiritual keys of G-od, 
announce to him Christ's grace, and receive him again as a be- 
loved brother in Christ Jesus and greet him with the salutation 
of his holy peace. For, says the prophet : the Lord has no 
pleasure in the death of the sinner, but that he repent and live. 
(Ezek. 8.) 

Forasmuch as it is manifest and established that Jesus Christ 
alone has the key of David (Isa. 22 ; Eev. 3) who unlocks heaven 
for the true penitent, unties the knot of unrighteousness loosen 
and forgives and remits their sins. And again, it is he who 
closes heaven against the impenitent, carnal sinners, binds them 
under his judgment and retains their sins, and we are nothing 
more than heralds, ministers and messengers in his name, and 
can make it neither longer nor shorter, narrower nor wider 
than taught us by his spirit, and commanded us in his word, as 
heard. Lo also is it thereby more than evident, that they 
greatly err, who in the pride of their ignorance suffer them- 
selves to think that they have power to retain or remit any 
man's sins, or who with perverse, inconsiderate minds dare 
separate or excommunicate any one out of carnal motives, ha- 
tred or bitterness, and not purely and solely through the spirit 
and word of Christ ; or on the other hand, retain him through 
natural affection, friendship or partiality, contrary to the word 
of God and comfort him at a venture in his sins, winking at 
them ; for with such after the example of the false prophets, 
they strengthen the hands of the ungodly since they retain them, 
appear to adjudge their life, though without true repentance 
they shall not live. fEzek. 13.) Ah ! brethren beware. 

1 would, therefore, brethren and sisters, in the love of Christ, 
have you all faithfully admonished in God, that no one attempt 
in this weighty, important and spiritual matter, to act higher or 
lower, severer or milder than the word and spirit require, 
whether it be with the binding of the first key in righteousness 
unto eternal death, or with the loosing of the second key in 
grace unto eternal life; lest, by passing an unscriptural judg- 
ment, he offend against God and his neighbor, and so be con- 
strained to undergo the punishment of this pride, along with the 
angel of the bottomless pit. Observe this ! 

Ah ! most beloved brethren, to what an amazing extent in 
my opinion is that man taught of God, who is able in this thing 
so to keep the true royal highway, that he can properly employ 
the intrusted keys in devout, heavenly wisdom, and correctly 

34* 



402 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

pass and impose his Lord's judgment with a sure, sealed con- 
science in true apostolic measure, to the edification of all the 
pious. Let all who are born of God, who are impartial and pure 
in heart, reflect, with the unction of their spirit, upon the 
grounds of my writing and admonition. 



CONCLUSION AND EXHORTATION TO 
ALL THE PIOUS. 

Beloved brethren, with much trouble, pains and anxiety, I 
have now, in the infirmity of my declining years, added another 
small gift to the Lord's treasury, not of the price of a dog, nor 
of the hire of a harlot, which was forbidden to Israel ; but of 
the abundant benediction of my God, namely, from the settled 
principles of his truth. Though it is not to be compared in 
value or worth with the gold, silver, metal, silk, or precious 
stones of the offering, yet, if it be reckoned with the rams' 
skins, goats' hair, and shittim wood, I have attained my wish. 
For my prayer and desire before God and his community, is, 
that the living building of the heavenly tabernaeles may advance 
with the greatest speed to the attainment of their intended 
splendor and magnificence. For this cause, I have suffered not 
a little hardship, affliction, sadness, poverty and reproach, so 
that I hope I may boast in my weakness with all the pious of 
God, apostles and prophets, nay, with Christ Jesus himself, 
that the zeal of the Lord's house hath eaten me up. (Ps. 69 ; 
John 2.) 

I would, therefore, earnestly desire all the pious (who, with 
a pure, unadulterated conscience, have drunk the water of love 
at the foundation of God,) that they do not despise this gift, 
but that, with candid and discerning minds, they examine, as 
in the presence of God in Christ Jesus, the nature, principles, 
vigor, cogency and virtuous tendency ; and having thus passed 
a sound, impartial judgment upon it, that you leave it unbroken 
in all its parts. For it is my valedictory which I now offer, as 
I take my leave of you all in this part of the Ban, and retire 
to rest. 

In this I have not sought the acquirement of human favor or 
honor, the indulgence of the flesh, or the promotion of party 
purposes, but I have illustrated the principles of truth, con- 
firmed the holy ordinance of the apostles, rendered due praise 
to the justice and' mercy of God, assigning to each its part, 
have added nothing new, nor varied in the least from its princi- 
ples of my plan, except that in consequence of much conversa- 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 403 

tion with the pious and meditation upon certain writings, as 
also on account of great dangers, actual occurrences and 
heinous abominations, and in order to put a stop in some 
measure to all offensive, disgraceful actions ; I have more deeply 
considered the excluding sentence of the flagrant, sensual 
sinner, and, in this way, placed it upon a more certain basis, as 
may be seen. 

We are well convinced that the depth of satan is to some but 
impartially known and manifest, and as a consequence that he 
does great injury, by means of his subtle, pernicious wrangling 
and disputation, as may be seen : therefore, my first earnest 
request unto all, who are named after the name of Christ, is, 
that they would reflect soberly, judiciously and discreetly upon 
the nature, character, heart, mind, spirit and disposition of 
Christ, and consider that all which he has commanded, left and 
taught his followers, is nothing but pure righteousness, truth, 
patience, love and peace. Also, that they bow their knees be- 
fore him, and have received the token of his most holy covenant, 
that they should bury their former sinful life in his death, cir- 
cumcise their hearts with his sharp word and spirit, follow 
him, walk in all his ways, and be one with him in both the in- 
ward and the outward man, as taught in scripture, (Rom. 6 ; 
Col. 2,) also that they reflect upon the high promise, and 
follow his word and will, in power and in truth. For he is 
such a God, that he does not take pleasure in outward shadows, 
ceremonies, types, bread, wine, water, nominal service, but in 
spirit, deed and truth. (2 Cor. 1 ; Eph. 4 ; Col. 2.) 

My second request is, that they would on the other hand, 
consider the nature, character, heart, spirit, mind, and work of 
satan, that he is from the beginning a shrewd, cunning, deceiver, 
an impudent, wanton liar, and a revengeful murderer, (John 8,) 
a malicious envier of God's honor and truth ; a falsifier of his 
holy word, and a deadly enemy of pious souls, seditious, factious, 
unruly, schismatic, envious, perverse, and destitute of love, in- 
capable of conceiving and bringing forth any thing but hatred, 
backbiting, lies, deception, jealousy, impure hearts, vice and 
shame, and all in semblance of the truth. In semblance of the 
truth, I repeat, for although he is the infernal satan, Beelzebub, 
Belial, Behemoth, Leviathan, the Angel of the bottomless pit, 
the Prince of darkness, the old Serpent, and the very devil 
himself, yet it is manifest notwithstanding, that he has the 
power of transforming himself into an angel of light, as Paul 
informs us. (2 Cor. II.) 

There is nothing of an external nature oppressive or vexa- 
tious to him, if he can only gain possession of the citadel of our 
heart, and expel therefrom, Christ's nature, disposition, spirit and 



404 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

power; if he can do this he has already won the prize of his 
craftiness, yea, if a man was even baptized by Peter or Paul 
himself, had received the bread of the holy supper from the 
Lord's own hand, would nevermore take part in papistic idolatry, 
yet if he retained but one of the fruits of the devil, whether 
hatred, or party spirit, envy or bitterness, avarice or revengeful- 
ness, pride or incontinence, or any other vice, we must declare 
with the scripture that his spirit is devilish, and his life hypocrisy. 
(Gal. 5 ; 1 John 3.) For it is more than evident that the whole 
man must be regenerated, sincere, unsophisticated, spiritually 
minded, godly, holy, devout, united and subject to Christ ; as 
James says : Whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet 
offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2.) 

Yes, worthy brethren, they who are so far taught of God, 
that they are able, well and truly to distinguish between Christ 
and the devil, in relation to their nature, disposition, doctrine, 
and works, and thereby perceive that Christ's disposition is pro- 
ductive of life, the devil's disposition productive of death, shall, 
and will undoubtedly, separate and depart entirely, from all vain 
and unprofitable disputation, schism, separation, division, con- 
tention, dissension, sedition, and sectarianism, and also from all 
deadly abominations, sins, and shameful actions : of this I am 
fully convinced by the grace of God. 

My third request is, that they would all with candor and sin- 
cerity of heart, meditate upon the glorious and illustrious names 
with which they are honored in the scriptures, namely : Children 
of God, saints and beloved of God, chosen of God, regenerated 
seed and children of Abraham, seed of peace, plants and scions 
of righteousness, fruitful grafts of Christ, members of Christ's 
body, his flesh and bone, Christ's mothers, sisters, brothers, 
disciples, guests, friends, sons, daughters, maiden, virgin, bride 
and spouse, His holy vineyard, camp, city, Jerusalem, temple, 
ark, house, abode, chosen people, citizens of heaven, living 
stones, companions of the saints, apostles and prophets, house- 
hold of God, kings and priests, doves, sheep. The light of the 
world and the salt of the earth, &c. ( John 1 ; Col. 3; 1 John 
3 ; Rom. 9 ; Gal. 3 ; Job 15 ; Eph. 5 ; Matt. 12 ; Mark 3 ; Luke 
8; Matt. 22; Luke 14; Rev. 19; Isa. 5 ; Rev. 21; 1 Pet. 2; 
Eph. 2 ; Matt. 5, 10.) To the end that by such meditation, 
their conduct inwardly and outwardly, privately and publicly, 
may be such in all their ways, words, and works, before God, in 
the presence of the church, and before the whole world that 
they may by grace, with all the pious, walk worthy of all such 
glorious names, in all love, peace and harmony, and by his 
paternal bounty forever escape the severe curse of excommuni- 
cation, aforementioned, and not hear the stern sentence : Depart 



i EXCOMMUNICATION. 405 

from me, ye cursed with the goats to the left hand, (Matt. 25,) 
but the cheering words : Come ye blessed, with the sheep to the 
right hand, and so not be numbered in eternity with those, who 
being bound by the Ban of the word in the power from God, 
and styled in scripture, a cursed, ungodly race, cursed children, 
children of wrath, children of the devil, , servants of sin, ser- 
vants of perdition, mockers, revilers, wicked, carnal, perverse, 
unrighteous, ungodly, stiff-necked sinners, dogs and swine, for 
whom are reserved the eternal wo, death, fire, lake and torment 
of hell. (2 Pet. 2 ; Eph. 1 ; John 8 ; Matt. 25 ; 1 Cor. 6 ; Gal. 
5 ; Eev. 22.) 

My fourth request is, to all those to whom the charge of the 
Lord's word is committed, who are fellow laborers with me in 
the ministry, that in all their actions, they so conduct and ap- 
prove themselves before God and his community, (2 Cor. 6,) 
that no man can in truth censure or speak evil of them, sincere 
ministers of Christ, faithful and sound in all things, men full of 
the Holy Ghost, born of the incorruptible seed of God, encom- 
passed with heavenly light, transplanted into the good disposition 
of Christ, partakers of his grace, taught and anointed of God, 
having their minds upon eternal things, hating their own fame, 
vainglory and impure carnal lusts ; lowly and little in their own 
eyes, of a meek and gentle spirit, compassionate, merciful, 
paternal, long-suffering, friendly, humble, chaste, given to hos- 
pitality, submissive, (1 Tim. 3, 4; Tit. 3,) mild, courteous and 
peaceful, well versed in the sound doctrine ; seek and act in ac- 
cordance with the good nature, disposition, character, heart, 
mind and example of Christ, confirmed in spirit, blameless 
shepherds, taking oversight of the flock of God, not by con- 
straint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre's sake, nor for the 
sake of their own bellies, but of a ready mind, (1 Pet. 5,) 
neither as being lords or rulers, but being examples to the com- 
munity of Christ, that in consequence of their faithful ministry 
they may run in fulness of joy upon the mountain of the Lord 
without fear or shame, and escape unharmed the mouths of fierce 
and ravenous wolves. 

Yes, my brethren, if we could all proceed according to this 
rule in unity of spirit, unaccompanied by the destructive foxes, 
how soon would the lamb's bride shine forth in costly and varie- 
gated apparel, adorned in white and glittering robes, splendid 
bracelets, ear-rings and neck-laces, (understand the beauty and 
ornament of her virtues,) and with the brilliancy of her appear- 
ance, excite the admiration of the whole world ; whereas, now, 
in consequence of deceitful workers, cunning wranglers and 
sewers of dissension, she must sit, at times, in rags and tatters, 
and, oh God ! be the scorn and derision of multitudes. 



406 EXCOMMUNICATION. 

The anguish of my soul is oft times so great that I am unable 
to write ; God omnipotent, strengthen me. And this, because 
I see that the house of the Lord has to endure so many offences, 
not only from without, but, alas ! from within also. men ! 
men ! arm yourselves ! for the words of Paul are true, that the 
ministry of the New Testament is not a ministry of the letter, 
but of the spirit. (2 "Cor. 3.) Its duties, cannot, therefore, be 
truly discharged to the glory of God, by the proud, the arrogant, 
the ambitious, or the self-willed, who wish to perform every 
thing after their own mind, humor and inclination, but always 
pull down more than they build up, and do more injury than 
they do good. This is a necessary consequence, inasmuch as 
according to the tenor of Paul's doctrine, this ministration is 
not the depth of wisdom or eloquence, or a dead letter, (with 
which they are generrally replete) but it is God, spirit, truth, 
power and life, of which they are entirely destitute. O take 
heed. 

Arm yourselves, I repeat ; for true teachers are called in 
scripture, the angels of the Lord and valiant soldiers ; be there- 
fore manly, keep the commandment of God ; hold fast and 
waver not. (Ps. 103.) They are called watchmen and trumpeters. 
Blow your trumpet to the right sound. Watch over the city 
of God, watch wisely, I say, and neither slumber nor sleep. 
(Ezek. 33.) Spiritual pillars they are styled. O be steadfast 
in the truth ; bear your burden willingly, waver not, neither be 
faint. (Exod. 26, 27.) Messengers of peace they are called. 
Ah, brethren live up to, and justify your name, walk in peace, 
maintain and break it not. (Isa. 52 ; Nan. 1.) They are 
called bishops and overseers. O take great care of the flock 
of Christ ; take great care of them, I say, and see that you 
neither destroy nor neglect them. (1 Tim. 3 ; Tit. 1.) Shepherds 
they are called. keep and feed the lambs of Christ, and 
leave them not to pine away. (Eph. 4 ; Acts 20 ; 1 Pet. 5.) 
They are styled teachers. Make known the word and truth of 
Christ, publish it abroad and conceal it not. (Eph. 4.) They 
are styled spiritual nurses and fathers. nourish and cherish 
your young children ; vex them not, neither cast them away. 
(1 Thess. 2.) They should be as the parent bird to her 
young. Gather together the young and tender ones in 
Christ, and scatter them not, nor hurt them. (Matt. 23.) They 
are called the stewards of God. O perfect the mystery of the 
name, abuse it not, nor disgrace it. (2 Cor. 4.) They are called 
the light of the world. Shine and glitter in full glory, and 
conceal not the brightness of your virtue. (Matt. 5.) They 
are called the salt of the earth. let the salt penetrate through 
and through, and be not ill savored. (Matt. 5, Mark 9 ; Luke 



EXCOMMUNICATION. 40 7 

14.) Ministers in Christ's stead. Ah, brethren serve, but rule 
not. Let no man glory in any gift, I beseech you. We are 
receivers, not givers of grace, not of ourselves, observe, ser- 
vants, and not lords. (1 Cor. 4.) Ah, bow down and submit. 
My chosen in love and truth, the joy and delight of my soul, 
so long as you stand fast in the Lord, abide in the way of peace 
and are faithful to your brethren. (Eph. 4.) Walk worthy of 
the vocation wherewith you are called ; fear your God with all 
your heart ; love the brethren ; discharge faithfully the duties 
of your ministry ; rich is he who will reward you. Watch and 
pray. (1 Pet. 2 ; 2 Tim. 4 ; Matt. 26.) Pray, I say, and that with 
confidence, and so the giver of every good and perfect gift, will 
not withdraw from you his grace, spirit, love and wisdom. 
(James 1.) Doubt not, neither be afraid. Let the glorious 
typified breastplate of Aaron, (Exod. 28,) Christ Jesus, deco- 
rated with its beautiful colors, its twelve pearls, its Urim and 
Thummim, be bound fast to the breast of your conscience, with 
the two golden chains of the two testaments, and with the two 
blue laces of pure faith and unadulterated love ; wash the feet of 
your affections, purify them in the spiritual laver, Christ Jesus, 
with the living water of his eternal and Holy Spirit, take of the 
blood of his unspotted offering, and in a true spirit, put it on 
the tip of your right ear, in order rightly to understand his 
word, and upon the thumb of your right hand, and upon the 
great toe of your right foot, in order to act and walk uprightly 
before him, and in the presence of his community. (Exod. 29, 
30.) Have your spiritual mitres, girdles and garments made 
for glory and for beauty, that like verdant olive trees and luxu- 
riant vines, and as burning torches and brilliant luminaries, in 
the firmament of the holy word, you may serve in fullness of 
glory, with all the faithful servants of Christ, day and night 
in his holy temple, to the glory of God and to the reformation 
of Israel, bring forth abundance of fruit, and when he shall 
appear with all his chosen saints, apostles and prophets, 
you shall receive in everlasting joy the promised reward. 
Sweet gracious and full of consolation is the word which the 
Lord utters : Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; 
thou hast been faithful over a feiu things, I will make thee 
ruler over many ; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. (Matt. 
25.) Ah brethren, from our hearts, let us be admonished, that 
we be faithful to Christ and his community. 

Brethren and sisters, I will now in the peace of Christ, com- 
mit you all with one accord into the hand of the King of peace, 
and I do with Paul entreat you from my heart. (Phil. 2.) If 
there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if 
any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels of mercies, fulfil my 



408 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

joy, that you be like minded in the truth, having the same love, 
being of one accord, of one mind, let nothing be done through 
strife or vain glory ; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem 
others better than himself. For you well know by whom and 
whereunto we are called. Reflect upon this. So that no one 
may lose himself, on account of other's shameful actions, and 
abominations, nor destroy the good works of Christ, disturb the 
peaceable, grieve the pious, offend the weak, give excuse to the 
wanton, drive the wavering again to the world, bring reproach 
upon the word of the Lord and his community, bring revilers 
into repute, and encourage the blood-thirsty ; but that we be 
careful in all things to finish with joy, our course in Christ 
Jesus, and magnify his holy name, refresh one another in the 
peace of Christ, strengthen our sick, weak members, and young 
brethren, reprove the disorderly, publish abroad the truth of 
the Lord, and show unto all men, a blameless, christian example. 
To this end may the eternal God of omnipotence, grant us all, 
collectively and individually, the active spirit of his grace, with 
perfect obedience and love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen. 
Ah chosen children, God knows, this is my final adieu to you 
all. Love the brethren, and beware of dissension. 



A PLEASING AND EARNEST 

INSTRUCTION AND DOCTRINE HOW ALL 
PIOUS PARENTS ARE TO GOVERN, DI- 
RECT AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN IN 
A PIOUS, VIRTUOUS 4 AND GODLY LIFE. 

The wise man says : Withhold not correction from thy child ; 
for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou 
shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from 
hell. (Prov. 23.) 

Correct and instruct thy son, and he shall give thee rest ; for 
the rod and reproof give wisdom ; but a child left to himself, 
bringeth his mother to shame. (Prov. 29.) 

Chasten thy son while there is hope, Sfc. (Prov. 19.) 

Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, 
which is Christ Jesus. (1 Cor. 3.) 

Preface. To the elders, in all churches, and chosen of God 
in Christ Jesus, my beloved brethren in the Lord, unto you be 
grace, peace and mercy from God, our Father, (Rom. 1 ; 1 Cor. 
1 ; Gal. 1 ; Eph. 1 ; Col. 1 ; 1 Thes. 1 ; 2 Thes. 1 ; 1 Tim. 1 ; 
2 Tim. 1 ; 1 Pet. 1,) through the merits of our Lord Jesus 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 409 

Christ, in the power and operation of the Holy Spirit, (Tit. 3,) 
which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made 
heirs according to the hope of eternal life. To whom be praise 
forever and ever. Amen. (Acts 15 ; Eph. 2 ; Tit. 3 ; 2 Tim. 4.) 
My dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, we thank the Lord 
always for you in all our prayers, 2 (Tim. 1,) and pray without 
ceasing, unto our kind Father, (Luke 18,) that he would 
strengten you with the gift of his Holy Spirit, that you may be 
filled with all knowledge, (Eph. 6 ; Col. 4; 1 Thes. 5; 2 Tim. 
1 ; 1 Eph. 6 ; Col. 4 ; 2 Thes. 3,) wisdom, discretion and power 
necessary rightly to oversee the community of Christ, and to 
dispense the word of God to sincere, pious souls, according to 
your gift and calling, and that you may walk worthy of the 
vocation wherewith you are called and chosen of God and his 
holy community, as shepherds and teachers, to the end that the 
saints may be kept firmly united by the common service, to the 
edification of the body of Christ. Take diligent care of your 
charge, and display a sincere concern for your flock, at all times 
earnestly exhort them to love, to good works, (like Paul,) to the 
pure fear and love of the Lord, to a godly, unblamable con- 
versation, in all humility, righteousness, love, peace, harmony, 
mercy, and obedience to the whole word of God. Caution them 
against all false doctrine, and against the sword of evil tongues ; 
for if a man bridle not his tongue, nor restrain it, his worship is 
vain and unprofitable. Also, that they take heed in their whole 
walk and conversation, circumcise their hearts, season their 
words, and do and perform all their actions in the fear of 
the Lord, that they may procure a good name for the gospel of 
Christ and his holy community, comply with his word and will, 
and thus attain unto salvation. Beware of all innovaters and 
strange doctrines not contained in the word of Christ and his 
apostles, nor conformable thereunto. Show forth, at all times, 
Christ and his word. If any man introduce a doctrine differing 
from that taught by Christ and his word, let him be excommuni- 
cated . For other foundation can no man lay than that which 
is laid, which is CHRIST JESUS. (Gen. 17 ; Phil. 1 ; 2 
Thes. 2 ; John 5 ; 1 Cor. 3, 7, 10, 12 ; Rom. 2,12; 1 Eph. 1, 4, 
5 ; Prov. 27 ; 1 Thes. 5 ; 2 Tim. 4 ; Tit. 2, 3 ; Heb. 3 ; Acts 11, 
14, 20, 27 ; Phil. 1 ; Ps. 34, 118 ; 1 Tim. 3 ; 1 Pet. 3 ; James 2, 
3; Deut. 10; Jer. 4; Phil. 3; Col. 2, 3, 4; Jer. 23, 27, 29; 
Matt. 22, 24 ; 1 John 4 ; Gal/1 ; Isa. 28 ; Mark 12.) He is the 
precious corner-stone in Zion, which shall abide forever. (Luke 
20.) Hear him, believe him, trust in him, follow him, hope and 
abide in him, (Rom. 9,) press diligently after him, conforming 
yourselves unto his spirit, word and life, and you shall neither 

35 



410 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

deceive nor be deceived. (1 Pet. 2 ; Deut. 18 ; Matt. 17 ; 2 
Chron. 20: Eccl. 2; Matt. 10; Mark 8; Luke 9, 14.) My 
dearly beloved brethren in the Lord, I beseech and admonish 
you, neglect not the ministration of your brotherly love, but 
attend faithfully thereto. Take heed unto yourselves and to all 
the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to 
feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own 
blood. (John 10; Ps. 37; Eccl. 2; Kom. 12 ; 1 Eph. 1, 4; 1 
Pet. 1 ; Heb. 9, 13 ; Col. 1 ; 1 Pet. 1 ; Rev. 5.) Again, all the 
elders I exhort with Peter, who am also an elder : Feed the 
flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, 
not by contraint, but willingly. (1 Pet. 5.) You who teach 
obedience, be yourselves obedient to the church of Christ in all 
things, which are good and expedient, as examples to the flock. 
(Tit. 2.) As Paul directed Titus, saying : In all things show 
thyself a pattern of good works ; in doctrine, showing uncor- 
ruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be con- 
demned ; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, 
having no evil thing to say of you. Also watch thou in all 
things, endure affliction, do the work of an evangelist. (2 Tim. 
4.) Make full proof of your ministry, do all in the fear of the 
Loud faithfully, and with obedient and perfect hearts, (2 Chron. 
19,) for you are made keepers of the charge of the house, for 
all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein. 
(Ezek. 44.) Study, therefore, to show yourselves approved 
unto God, workmen, obedient, blameless, that need not be 
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2 ; Tit. 3.) 
My wish and desire therefore is, that you be earnest in this, so 
that they who believe in God, may be made zealous to excel in 
good works, which is good and profitable unto all men, (2 Tim. 
4,) instruct, reprove, rebuke, exhort and console, as occasion 
may require ; and forsake not the fraternal assembling of your- 
selves together, the meeting and ordinance of the Lord. (Heb. 
10.) Strengthen one another kindly with the word of the Lord, 
that you may increase in faith, love and righteousness, and come 
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the 
fulness of Christ. (Col. 1 ; Eph. 4.) 

With this, dear brethren, I will commit you to almighty God, 
with the earnest desire that you propound unto all the brethren 
this brief admonition concerning the Education of children, in 
order that every one may observe and comply with the same in 
the full sense, in the bringing up, teaching and instructing his 
children. The Lord Jesus Christ be with my beloved, yea, 
dearly beloved brethren throughout eternity. Amen. 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 411 

ON THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

Unto all elders and joint-heirs in the faith of Christ, grace be 
to you and peace from God, our heavenly Father, through his 
beloved Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, (Rom. 1 ; 1 
Cor. 1 ; 2 Cor. 1 ; Gal. 19 ; Col. 1 ; 1 Thes. 1 ; 2 Thes. 1 ; 1 
Tim. 1 ; 2 Tim. 1 ; 1 Pet 1,) by the power and co-operation of 
His holy spirit, to his overlasting praise and glory, and to our 
edification and salvation. Amen. 

You are aware, beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, 
that we all, without exception, inherit from Adam an ill-disposed, 
evil and sinful flesh; (Gen. 6, 8 ; Job 29 ; Ps. 51,) nay, that all 
our desires from our youth are evil continually, as Moses writes ; 
also, we find nothing in ourselves, as the proper treasure of our 
first birth, but perfect blindness, unrighteousness, sin and death. 
If now the power of this innate disposition is to be diminished, 
suppressed and destroyed, it must be accomplished by the pure 
fear of the Lord, which proceeds from a true faith through the 
word of the Lord, and out of a clear perception of the righteous 
judgment and terrible wrath of God, which will burn forever 
against all impenitent sinners. For the fear of the Lord is the 
beginning of wisdom : it drives out sin and makes upright, pious 
children, as Jesus Sirach says. (Job 28 ; Ps. Ill ; Prov. 1, 9, 
19; Eccl. 1; Sirach 12.) 

Since, then, the merciful Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, 
the great, almighty Lord, has encompassed us with the light of 
his grace, and through faith in Jesus Christ, has weakened us 
from iniquity and ungodliness to a life of righteousness ; there- 
fore, let us diligenily follow the glorious example of the true 
love of Matthew, the publican, who was not satisfied with en- 
joying the heavenly calling and grace himself, but went and 
invited other publicans and sinners, that they might also be 
saved and obtain like spirit, grace and mercy from the Lord, 
for such is the nature and disposition of Christ. (Matt. 9 ; Mark 
2; Luke 5, 19.) 

Trade, therefore, among yourselves with the talent (Matt. 
25 ; Mark 13 ; Luke 19) given you from on high, and cordially 
compassionate your unbelieving, blind parents, brothers and 
sisters, husbands, wives, servants and neighbors ; do not conceal 
from them God's gift, grace, word and will ; (2 Tim. 2 ;) for their 
feet are in the way of death. Perhaps they may, at some time 
or other, extricate themselves from the snares of unrighteous- 
ness in which they are bound and entangled, and turn them- 
selves to the Lord with all their hearts. (2 Chron. 20 ; Matt. 
11, 18 ; Luke 20.) My dear brethren, understand this as 
regards men of sense and discretion. Brethren in Christ, if we 



412 EDUCATION OP CHILDREN. 

saw any such in danger of being drowned or burned, or in any 
danger that threatened his life, and there was a prospect that 
we could render them assistance, would not our inmost souls be 
moved with compassion towards them, if haply we might afford 
them relief? Undoubtedly. And now we see with our own 
eyes, (if we but believe the Lord's word) that they are walking 
in the shadow of eternal death, already committed to the grave 
of hell, and liable to be devoured forever and ever by the 
eternal, unquenchable fire, unless from their hearts they turn 
unto Christ and his word, repent, and become regenerated, as 
the scriptures teach. (2 Chron. 30; Matt. 8, 11; Luke 10; 
Matt. 3 ; Mark 1.) Therefore, consider seriously the heart- 
rending misery and wretchedness of their poor souls which must 
live forever, either in heaven or in hell, and strive diligently and 
faithfully whether they may not yet, in some way, by your 
faithful ministry of pure love, and by the direction and instruc- 
tion of the divine word, be rescued and delivered from ever- 
lasting destruction, and be made partakers of eternal salvation. 
(Acts 2; John 3; Horn. 6 ; Eph. 4; Col. 3; Heb. 12 ; lPet.2; 
Eom. 12.) For genuine charity is of such a nature that it is 
constantly hungering and thirsting after the glory of God and 
the salvation of all men, even of those who are strangers to us 
according to the flesh. 

Beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, forasmuch as 
we are now constrained by saving charity with benevolence and 
sympathy, and know by the unction of the spirit and word of 
God, that the nature of man is completely corrupted in Adam, 
and is opposed from youth to the word of the Lord, (1 John 2 ; 
Gen. 6, 8 ; John 25 : Ps. 51) as aforesaid ; let us, therefore, be 
particularly vigilant and solicitous with regard to our own 
children, displaying unto them a greater degree of spiritual love 
than towards others ; for they are the offspring of our nature, 
of our flesh and blood, a serious and precious charge committed 
by God to our especial care. Be, therefore, particularly mindful, 
that you instruct them from their youth in the way of the Lord, 
that they fear and love God, walk in all modesty and submission ; 
be genteel, well-disposed, discreet, honor and obey their father 
and mother, using reasonable discourse, not lying, nor clamorous, 
not stubborn nor self-willed ; for such is not becoming the 
children of the saints. (Deut. 6, 16; Ex. 20 ; Eccl. 3, 7 ; Tob. 
4; Eph. 6.) The world desire for their children that which is 
earthly and perishable, money, honor, fame, wealth. From 
infancy they train them up to vice, pride, haughtiness and 
idolatry. But with you, who are born of God, this is not the 
case ; (John 1, 3) for it behooves you to seek something else for 
your children ; namely, that which is heavenly and eternal, and 
hence it is your duty to bring them up in the nurture and admo- 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN". 413 

nition of the Lord, as Paul teaches. (Eph. 6.) Moses com- 
manded Israel to teach their children the law and command- 
ments of the Lord, to talk of them when they sat down in their 
houses, and when they walked by the way, and when they lay 
down, and when they rose up. Now, since we are a chosen 
generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people ; 
that we should show forth the praises of him who hath called us 
out of darkness into his marvellous light, (Exod. 19 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; 
Eev. 1, 5; Deut. 7,) it greatly behooves us to show ourselves 
patterns and examples (Isa. 4, 3 ; 1 Pet. 2) in all righteousness 
and blamelessness, and to appear unto the whole world as we 
are thereunto called ; for if we do not keep a strict eye upon 
our own children, but permit them to follow the inclination of 
their evil, corrupted nature and disposition, not correcting and 
chastising them according to the word of the Lord, we may with 
the greatest propriety lay our hand upon our mouth, and remain 
silent and speechless. (Rom. 12; 1 Thess 4; 1 Pet. 1,5; 1 
Tim. 4,; Tit, 2; Eccl. 7 ; Prov. 13.) For why should we teach 
those not of our- household, when we take no pains to preserve 
our own families in the love and fear of God ? For, says Paul, 
(1 Tim. 3, 5) if a man provide not for his own house, he hath 
denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. 

My dearly beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, take 
heed that you do not ruin your children through carnal love, by 
giving offence, and training them up in vice lest in the day of 
judgment their souls be required at your hands, and it happen 
unto you, on account of your children, as it did unto Eli, the 
high priest, by the chastening hand of the Almighty, on account 
of his sons ; (1 Sam. 4;) but diligently imitate the testimony de- 
clared by the angel of the Lord respecting pious Abraham : I 
know, says he, that Abraham will command his children and his 
household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to 
do justice and judgment. (Gen. 18.) For this is the chief and 
most important care of the godly that their children may fear 
God, do good, and be saved ; even as the God-fearing Tobias 
admonished his son's children, saying : My son hearken unto thy 
father, serve the Lord in truth, and cleave unto him in equity ; 
be mindful of him, and let not thy will be set to sin or to trans- 
gress his commandments ; teach this to thy children that they 
give alms, fear God all their days, and trust in him with their 
whole hearts. (Deut. 6 ; Jos. 24 ; 1 Sam. 7 ; Tob. 14, 4 ; 2 Chron. 
20 ; Sirach 2.) 

My beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, who, from your 
hearts, love the word of the Lord, thus instruct your children 
from youth up, and daily admonish them with the word of the 
Lord, setting a good example. (Eph. 6.) Teach and admonish 
them, I say, in proportion to the development of their under- 

35* 



414 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 

standing ; constrain and correct them with discretion and mo- 
deration, without anger or bitterness, (Col. 3,) lest they be dis- 
couraged ; spare not the rod, if reason and necessity require it, 
reflecting upon what is written. (Prov. 13, 19, 23,29.) He that 
loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod that he may have 
joy of him in the end. He that chastiseth his son shall have joy 
in him. (Sirach 7, 30.) He that maketh too much of his son 
shall bind up his wounds, and his bowels will be troubled at 
every cry. A horse unbroken becometh headstrong : and a child 
left to himself will be wilful. Give him no liberty in his youth, 
and wink not at his follies.* Bow down his neck while he is 
young, (observe,) lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient to 
thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart. (Heb. 12 ; Deut. 6 ; 
Prov. 29 ; Sirach 30.) Correct thy son, and keep him from 
idleness, lest thou be made ashamed on his account. (Sirach 22 ; 
Prov. 29.) 

Dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, if all parents, 
(who glory in the name of the Lord,) would deeply impress the 
words of Sirach upon their hearts, and inscribe them on the 
tablet of their souls, how virtuous, pious and devout would 
many children be raised, who now, alas ! run wild and unre- 
strained, honoring neither their parents, nor the community and, 
gospel of Christ. An evil-nurtured son, (says Sirach, chap. 22,) 
is the dishonor of his father ; again, says he : (chap. 16,) Eejoice 
not that thou hast a multitude of children, except the fear of 
God be with them ; for one that is just, is better than a thou- 
sand ungodly ; and better it is to die without children, than to 
have them that are ungodly. (Sir. 16.) 

Beloved brethren, consider these words well, and revolve 
them in your minds. Necessity impels me to write ; for some, 
alas ! live such lives with their children, that one is constrained 
to write and reprove. I write and admonish you again : Take 
heed, lest the blood and condemnation of your children come 
upon you. If you love your children with a godly love, teach 
them, admonish and instruct them in God, (Prov. 13, 29 ; Eccl. 
30,) lest the Lord's word, blood and death be made unto them 
of no effect, and his name and community be blasphemed by the 
unwise, through them. (Eom. 2.) 

Beloved brethren in Christ, if you rightly know God and his 
word, and believe that the end of the righteous is everlasting 
life, and the end of the wicked eternal death, endeavor to the 
utmost of your power, to conduct your children in the way of 
life, and divert them from the way of death, as far as in you lies. 
Pray almighty God for the gift of his grace, that in his great 
mercy, he may guide and preserve them in the right path, through 
the directing influence of his Holy Spirit. Watch over their 
salvation as for your own souls. Teach, ^instruct, admonish, 



EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 415 

threaten, correct and chastise them, as circumstances require. 
Keep them away from naughty, wicked children, among whom 
they hear and learn nothing but lying, cursing, swearing, fight- 
ing and knavery. Have them instructed in reading and writing, 
bring them up to habits of industry, and let them learn such 
trades as are suitable, expedient and adapted to their age and 
constitution. If you do this, you shall live to see much honor 
and joy of your children. (Sirach 30.) But if you do it not, 
heaviness of heart shall consume you at last. (Jer. 22.) For a 
child left to himself, without reproof, is not only the shame of 
his father, but he bringeth his mother to shame. (Prov. 29.) 

This brief admonition I have written to my beloved, from mo- 
tives of sincere love, and not without a reason ; for in the course 
of my ministry, I have too frequently observed, how disorderly, 
improperly, nay, heathenlike, many parents conduct themselves 
towards their children. The absurd, senseless love of the flesh, 
has such an influence^ over some, and they are so blinded by the 
natural affection for their children, (0 observe,) that they can 
neither see, perceive nor observe any evil, error or defect in 
them, notwithstanding they frequently abound in idle tricks and 
wantonness, are disobedient to father and mother, murmur at 
them, collect and carry abroad lies, quarrel and fight with other 
children, and mock people as they pass by, crying and calling 
after them. 

Brethren in Christ, to connive, by reason of a blind, carnal 
love, at these and similar disgraceful tricks of children, is a love 
not to be applauded, but much rather to be shunned and avoided ; 
for it is earthly, sensual, devilish. And forasmuch, as we ought 
to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the holy na- 
tion, the chosen generation, yea, the bride of Christ, it by no 
means becomes us, to have, or to bear such sensual love or pre- 
posterous affection, in any circumstances, towards our children ; 
but it is our duty, as far as in us lies, diligently and earnestly to 
instruct and govern our children and household, as well as our- 
selves, in conformity to the sincerity of godliness, a life of vir- 
tue, and the word of God. (Matt. 5; Mark 9; Luke 14; Prov. 
4 ; Wis. 2 ; Mark 4 ; Luke 8 ; Phil. 2 ; 1 Pet. 2 ; Deut. 7 ; Exod. 
, 19 ; 2 Cor. 11 ; Eph. 5 ; Rev. 19, 28 ; Acts 20.) 

With this, I will have delivered and preserved my soul in the 
presence of the Lord and his community, and I do desire, for 
the Lord's sake, that this epistle may be taken in good part, and 
be read by the elders, in the hearing of all the brethren, to the 
end that the innocent may take heed, and be circumspect, and 
those who are guilty of these mis-steps, errors and failings, may 
reform, and that without considering me as being officious, in 
regulating th*e concerns of their household. Ah no ! in the pre- 
sence of God, I desire nothing in this, but that in all things, you 



416 APPENDIX. 

conform yourselves to the scriptures, and to christian gravity, 
and that all the concerns of the Lord's community, may be con- 
ducted according to the divine will and ordinance. (1 Cor. 14.) 
The searcher of hearts and reins knows that I lie not. I would, 
therefore, that you also accept and receive it in love ; for in 
sincerity have I written it. (1 Sam. 16; 1 Chron. 29; Ps. 7; 
Jer. 17 ; Acts 1 ; Eev. 2.) 

And now, beloved brethren and sisters, I commend you to 
God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you 
up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are 
sanctified. (Acts 20.) 

The very God of peace sanctify you wholly, that your whole 
spirit, and soul, and body be preserved without spot, and blame- 
less, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 5.) 
Faithful is he who called you. May the merciful Father, through 
his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, strengthen you all with 
the precious gift of his Holy Spirit. Ameif. 



LETTER TO THE BRETHREN IN 
AMSTERDAM. 

Jesus said to Martha : / am the resurrection, and the life, he 
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ; 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. 
(John xi. 25, 26.) 

Chosen Brethren and Sisters in the Lord : — Since I hear 
that the fire of the pestilence is spreading itself among you, I 
am constrained by love, which I bear towards you and all the 
pious ; because I know that all flesh is afraid of death, and the 
death of our friends is grievous to us) to visit you with a letter 
of consolation, who are encompassed by the heavenly light, and 
are called to the communion of Christ ; so that you might watch 
now, and at all times, for the coming of the Lord ; prepare 
yourselves in all things to meet death. For Paul says : It is 
appointed unto men once to die, but after this judgment. 
(Heb. ix. 27.) And Sirach says: All flesh waxeth old as a 
garment, for the covenant from the beginning is : Thou shalt r 
die. (Sirach xiv. 17.) 

If we then adhere closely to Christ with a regenerated and 
penitent soul ; and truly believe his word, and faithfully follow 

his footsteps; and are governed by his Holy Ghost 

Then shall we live in, with and through him eternally ; and we 
shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev. ii. 11.) Though we 
were, in times past even as others, dead in sin, full of avarice, un- 
chastity, pride, hatred, envy, idolatry and all manner of wicked- 
ness, children of hell and of the devil. (Eph. ii. 3, 12.) For all 



APPENDIX. 417 

things are forgiven to the penitent and believing through the 
death of Christ, and satisfied with his blood, and reconciled by the 
only peace-offering of his innocent and painful death. So that 
Paul says : There is therefore, now no condemnation to them 
which are in Christ Jesus,who walk not after the flesh, but after 
the spirit; for the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath 
made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. viii. 1, 
2.) Therefore, be of good cheer, and be grateful ; praise Him 
who has redeemed you by the power of his word, from the 
dominion of sin and death ; and called you through the spirit of 
his grace to the inheritance of his glory. Again, I say, laud 
him, and that with a pious and pure conscience, with an 
unblamable and holy life by faith .... So that when the true 
householder, the king and bridegroom of our souls comes, he 
may not find you sleeping, and cast you unprepared into eternal 
darkness, close the door upon you and give you a portion with 
the Gentiles. Therefore: Be sober, vigilant ! (1 Pet. v. 8.) 
Wake ivhile you have the light, lest darkness come upon you. 
(John xii. 25.) 

Faithful brethren ! be strong in the Lord, be of good cheer, 
for all vour doings, life and death are in the hands of the Lord. 
Yea, the hairs of your head are all numbered. (Matt. x. 30.) 
And without his will, not one can fall from your head. The 
number of your days are before him ; yea, the time of your life 
is measured as to a hand-breadth. Therefore, fear not ; but 
willingly assist and serve each other in time of distress. Be not 
slow to visit the sick; for that shall make you beloved, as 
Sirach says. (Sir. vii. 35 ) And you ought out of unfeigned 
love, as John says : To lay down your lives for the brethren. 
(1 John iii. 16.) 

For this you know, that a virtuous son, servant, or bride, 
fears not the coming of the father, lord or bridegroom, but that 
there is nothing but desire and hope, as long as they have not 
yet arrived. For John says : There is no fear in love ; but 
perfect love casteth out fear. (1 John iv. 18.) 

You also know, that a wearied laborer is delirous of rest, 
and a drooping soul of consolation. And I doubt not, nor you, 
my dear children, that you are assured of a quiet conscience in 
God, that he is your Father; and that Jesus Christ is your 
Lord, and you his servants ; that he is your bridegroom, and 
you his spouse. Why you must endure so much misery, toil, 
anguish of mind, shame and disgrace, from a perverse, idle 
generation, for his blessed and holy name's sake — whom you 
ought to make known to the whole world, without hypocrisy, 
in order that they may turn to God as true penitents. 

Therefore, we must not fear death so greatly, which is but 
a rest from sin, an entrance to a better life ; nor must we be 



418 APPENDIX. 

grieved so much on account of our friends, who fell asleep in the 
Lord ; as those who do not expect the reward of the saints. 

But, let us, therefore, lift our heads with joy, gird the loins 
of our minds with truth, and prepare for the heavenly Canaan, 
that we may inherit the only and eternal Joshua, Christ Jesus, 
the inheritance and kingdom, which are appointed to us ; and 
thus be released from the arduous and tedious way of our pil- 
grimage, which we have to make through this untrodden wilder- 
ness. Then we shall rest in eternal joys. 

chosen brethren and sisters ! How highly and gloriously 
they are endowed of God, who are here, through grace, freed 
from the body of sin, redeemed from the vanity of perishable 
things, received into the holy tabernacles of peace, called to 
the eternal, great and holy sabbath ! There the crooked, old 
serpent will no more sting them in their heels, neither pain nor 
misery shall touch them ; and the last enemy, death, shall be 
overcome and swallowed up. Then their tears will be wiped 
off, and their souls will enjoy a true rest and peace, in Paradise 
and the pleasure garden of grace, in Abraham's bosom, under 
the altar of God. (Rev. vi. 9.) They came out of great 
tribulations, they stand upon Mount Sion, in white robes, wor- 
shipping before the throne of GOD and the LAMB ; and rest 
for a little season, till the number of their fellow-servants be 
fulfilled. (Rev. vi. II.) And then be together changed into 
the glory of Christ; (Phil. iii. 21.) to shine as the sun. (Matt, 
xiii. 43.) And thus come to the eternal festivity, the eternal 
joys, prepared for all the chosen in heaven through Christ's 
blood and death. 

! how holy and happy are they who are called of Christ to 
his holy day, and come to it dressed in clean garments? Come, 
sing the pleasing and joyful hallelujah, in your hearts, and thank 
him, who has ordered all this toward them, by the spirit of his 
love, through grace, and has chosen you with them to the same. 
Reflect upon this, and be comforted. 

Nothing more ; but fear your God, with all your hearts ; serve 
him in truth ; maintain union, love and peace among you ; watch 
and pray ; be patient in your conflicts ; seek that which is best ; 
follow after that which is good ; be friendly towards one another; 
willingly obey your teachers, and remember them and me in 
your prayers. May the God of peace, our merciful Father, 
through his blessed Son, Jesus Christ, bless you now and for- 
ever, to abound more in righteousness and perfect love. 

MENNO SIMON, 
Your fellow brother, and lover of your souls in truth. 

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 
which is JESUS CHRIST. (Cor. iii. 11.) 



INDEX. 



Adults only to be Baptized |g 

Admonition to the Scorners of the Word, &c 45 

Antichrist made the whole world drank ........... 365 

Appeal to the Learned !!":!!! 133 

99 to the Common People 140 

99 to Corrupt Sects " ///WW. ! . 143 

99 to the Bride and Kingdom 150 

Baptism, Concerning, 33 

99 not commanded to Infants 33 

99 called washing of regeneration 36 

" changed as to mode and time . .. . 49 

99 is a sign of Obedience 39 

" is to follow Faith WW . ... 34 

Belief, true Christian, of, , " ^73 

» Papistic, of, .W///.WW.7W7.7W 168 

" Lutheran, of, 269 

" Zuinglian or Calvinist, 171 

Believers receive the Word. [ . " " 27 

Ceremonies, no great stress to put on ". ". . ' * 55 

Consoling admonition .WW 323 

Conduct of Preachers W. . ..... ........... . . .. 90 

Counter arguments .//./..... 44 99 

Cross of Christ ..'. " . /.W . '/' ' 275 

99 the righteous have to endure it 281 

David reproved of Nathan 390 

99 his Sins no plea to pervert the truth . '. .".".".' ..'...' ! 389 

Day of Grace ' -. q 

Education of Children '.'...'. ". ....... '. ........ 356 

Evidence of a good Conscience '261 

Excommunication [[ 363 

99 what it means * 371' 406 

99 over whom to be used , ' 372 

why commanded in Scriptures 373 

has no respect to person 375 

to exclude offensive sinners 380 

99 how to understand James V .' .' 393 

' > how to understand XII. and XIII. of 2 Corinth. 394 

Excommunicated, to be avoided 380 384 

Exhortation to the dispersed Children of God. . .. .WW ... 7 \ 266 

" to all in authority ' * 113 

False Teachers and Preachers '..'.'. . . \\ \\ \ \ \ \ ' \ \ ' ' 94 

„ ' ' ' "we are not to hear them 96, 106 

Faith, nature of 9 27 

?? fruits of, WW"!7, ........... .' '. 28 



&JW-3CL 

420 index. * °- 

Page. 

Faith. Christian, of, J59 

» ' Noah's, of, loj- 

» Abraham's, of, J°* 

» Josiah's, of, 197 

" Centurion's, of,... jjj* 

" Zaccheus's, of, ^Yo 

" Murderer of, gj* 

55 Sinful Woman, of, *w 

Gotpel must be Preached «*> 

Grace, day of, *!* 

" invitation thereto, "j- 

Heart purified by Faith 1™ 

Higinius institutes godfathers *£ 

Household, what it signifies - j>| 

Heretic to be once or twice admonished oV6 

Impenitent destitute of hope. j* 

Infant baptism is idolatry • • • -JO 

" confirmed by Pope Innocent ** 

" is not Apostolic g3 

" performed without command 51 

» cannot be proven from circumcision 48 

Inner baptism *;* 

josiah's belief £:' 

" . purifies Judah and Jerusalem £»» 

» expels Soothsayers *00 

Keys of Excommunication, to use in a proper manner ^b 

" for what purpose given * y7 > ™- 

» Christ alone has the key of David *ul 

Liberty, true liberty is through Christ.. ill 

Lord's Supper £* 

» corruption of, • • • • • • "jf 

" Paul's explanation of, &y > 2* 

Marry, whom the believers should not, *jji 

Matthew XVIII. explained **> 

Menno Simon's renunciation of Popery J£ 

" consults Luther and others ±£ 

» is called by the pious to preach for them 1& 

" entreats the reader to accept his confession 18 

Munsterites make inroads • • • • 

New Birth, doctrine concerning, . S>V £q 

Pleasing meditation on the XXV. Psalm *<*>> «*» 

Preachers, sending of, R . 

» doctrines of, °* 

y > conduct of, v qni 

Peter's inconsiderate backsliding ^q 

Putting on Christ is the same as regeneration |» 

Re-baptized persons . • • • 09 

Regeneration, result of faith • • • * ^ 

Repentance, true and sincere w oka 

Resurrection, Scriptures speak of two 

Righteous live by Faith * 



350 
260 



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